PM Modi at 25 years: From Japan’s PM to Belgium’s Prime Minister, world leaders shower love and praise

Twenty-five years in government is a milestone few political careers reach. On October 7, Prime Minister Narendra Modi completed 25 years since he first became head of a government, beginning as Gujarat chief minister in 2001 before moving to New Delhi as Prime Minister in 2014.

As he marked 25 years at the head of a government, PM Modi laid out six ambitions for India’s next phase: becoming one of the world’s top three economies, building a Viksit Bharat by 2047, strengthening Aatmanirbhar Bharat, turning India into a global manufacturing hub, bringing the Olympics to India, and taking an Indian human into space. Framing the goals with the call “We will do it”, Modi presented them as the next set of national ambitions beyond the milestone he was marking.

The anniversary prompted congratulatory messages from leaders in several countries, with many linking their personal wishes to India’s bilateral relationships with their countries.

From Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi praising Modi’s “outstanding political leadership” to Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu calling the milestone a “rare achievement in any democracy”, here is what world leaders said.

What did Japan’s PM Sanae Takaichi say to Narendra Modi?

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi extended her “best wishes” to Modi and highlighted his contribution to India’s development and international standing.

“On the occasion of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji completing 25 years in office as head of government, I would like to extend my best wishes,” Takaichi said.

“For years, he has been striving to realise the development of Indian society and the nation, and since 2001, he has been serving in the position of head of government with his outstanding political leadership.”

She added: “Along with accelerating India’s development, he has elevated India’s prestige to new heights on the international stage as well. For all these accomplishments, as a fellow politician, I express my sentiments of respect.”

Takaichi also referred to her recent visit to India and said she and Modi had discussed taking the Japan-India “Special Strategic and Global Partnership” to the next level.

Why did Nigeria call Modi’s 25 years a ‘rare achievement in any democracy’?

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu described Modi’s milestone as a “truly historic milestone” and specifically called 25 years of continuous leadership a “rare achievement in any democracy.”

In his official message, Tinubu said: “A quarter-century of unbroken leadership is a rare achievement in any democracy. In the world’s most populous nation, it is a powerful testament to the enduring confidence the Indian people have placed in him.”

He added that Modi had led “with vision and an unwavering commitment to development.”

Tinubu also connected the milestone to India-Nigeria relations, saying Nigeria “deeply values the strategic partnership between our two great nations” and recalling Modi’s 2024 state visit to Abuja.

What did Belgium’s Prime Minister Bart De Wever say?

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever focused on the length of Modi’s political journey — and the relationship between India and Belgium.

“I warmly congratulate Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 25 years of continuous leadership in government, from Gujarat to New Delhi,” De Wever said.

He added: “Following my productive visit to India last month, I look forward to further deepening the strong partnership between our two countries.”

De Wever had visited India in September, with discussions covering areas including defence, trade, investment, semiconductors, fintech and critical minerals.

What did Dominica’s PM Roosevelt Skerrit call Modi?

Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit used a more personal tone, beginning his message with: “My dear friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”

“I warmly congratulate you on 25 years of continuous service as Head of Government, a journey that began in Gujarat and has continued through your leadership of India,” Skerrit said.

He added: “As you mark this milestone, I wish to express my appreciation for the friendship you have extended to Dominica and the generosity shown to our people.”

“I value the bond between our nations and look forward to building on it in the years ahead,” Skerrit said, wishing Modi “good health, strength and continued success in your service to the people of India.”

What did Bhutan’s PM Tshering Tobgay say about Modi?

Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay’s message was among the most personal.

Tobgay has described Modi as a “friend, brother and mentor”, and his latest message again highlighted the close relationship between the two leaders and India and Bhutan.

He also linked Modi’s vision of a developed India with Bhutan, writing: “Viksit Bharat means Viksit Bhutan.”

Tobgay recalled Modi’s 2014 visit to Bhutan — his first foreign trip as Prime Minister — and highlighted the idea of “B4B: Bharat for Bhutan; Bhutan for Bharat.”

What is the common thread in the world leaders’ messages?

The messages differ in tone, but they share a clear theme: congratulations on the 25-year milestone are being paired with references to India’s relationships with the countries represented by the leaders.

Japan highlighted its strategic partnership with India and the Indo-Pacific. Nigeria pointed to cooperation across trade, energy, defence, health, education and technology. Belgium spoke of deepening its partnership with New Delhi, while Dominica and Bhutan emphasised their close ties with India.

For Modi, the milestone therefore arrived with messages that were not only personal congratulations but also reflections of the diplomatic relationships India has built during his years in government.

(With inputs from agencies)