PM Modi on Friday congratulated Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after she became the country’s longest-serving prime minister in the post-war era.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni after she became the longest continuously serving prime minister in Italy’s postwar history, saying the milestone reflected the “trust and confidence” placed in her by the Italian people.
In a post on X, Modi congratulated Meloni and described her as a friend.
“Congratulations to my friend Prime Minister Meloni on becoming the longest continuously serving Prime Minister in Italy’s postwar history,” PM Modi said.
He said Meloni’s achievement was a reflection of the confidence and trust she enjoys among Italians.
PM Modi also praised her role in deepening bilateral ties between India and Italy, particularly the Special Strategic Partnership between the two countries.
Modi hails India-Italy partnership
“Her friendship has also been instrumental in strengthening the India-Italy Special Strategic Partnership and I look forward to continuing our close cooperation to build a prosperous future for the people of our countries,” Modi said.
The Indian prime minister also wished Meloni continued success in the years ahead.
Meloni became Italy’s first woman prime minister when she took office on October 22, 2022. Her government crossed 1,413 days in office on Friday, surpassing the previous postwar record held by former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi.
More from WorldMeloni had earlier congratulated Modi
The two leaders have also publicly congratulated each other on their respective milestones.
In July, Meloni congratulated PM Modi after he became India’s longest-serving elected prime minister.
“It has been a pleasure to meet again in Rome in recent weeks and to launch together a Special Strategic Partnership that looks to the future to create new opportunities for our Nations and our peoples,” Meloni said in a post on X.
India, Italy elevate ties to Special Strategic Partnership
PM Modi visited Italy for a two-day official trip in May, during which he held talks with Meloni as well as Italian President Sergio Mattarella.
During the visit, the two countries elevated their bilateral relationship to a Special Strategic Partnership.
The leaders welcomed the strong momentum in high-level exchanges and agreed to hold annual meetings between their leaders, including on the sidelines of multilateral events. They also agreed to strengthen regular ministerial and institutional-level engagements.
‘Melody’ toffee revives Modi-Meloni social media moment
PM Modi and Meloni have also shared several light-hearted moments during their diplomatic engagements.
During his Italy visit, PM Modi presented Meloni with a packet of “Melody” toffees, reviving the popular “#Melodi” social media moment associated with the two leaders.
The informal exchange, marked by laughter, was later shared by Meloni on Instagram, where she spoke about the gesture and the gift from the Indian prime minister.