Modi becomes India's longest-serving PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday become the country’s longest continuously serving elected premier, marking 12 years at the helm of the central government during a period that saw the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) become the national political hegemon, expand to newer regions, and attract support from myriad communities.Modi will have served 4,399 days as Prime Minister on Wednesday, becoming the longest continuously serving elected premier. India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru first assumed office in 1947, won the first election in India in 1951-52 and remained in office until his death in 1964. Indira Gandhi, India’s first woman PM, was in office for a little less than 16 years, but in two separate stints.

PM Modi said the 12-year journey was dedicated to trust, development, and public welfare. “With the blessings of 1.4 billion fellow citizens and the spirit of nation first, we have spared no effort in empowering our youth, women, and our farmer brothers and sisters. It is the result of these tireless efforts that today, from infrastructure to the digital revolution, the country has gained a new identity on the global stage,” he said.
PM Modi, who first assumed office in May 2014 and secured a third consecutive term in 2024, has led India through a period of sweeping economic and social change. His tenure has seen India rise to become the world's fifth-largest economy, claim a seat at the high table of global diplomacy, and position itself as the foremost voice of the Global South.