TOKYO, Oct 7: Political leaders from several countries, including Japan, Bhutan, the Philippines, Belgium, Nepal, Nigeria and Botswana, on Wednesday congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on completing 25 years in public office.
Modi entered public office as Gujarat chief minister on October 7, 2001. He served three consecutive terms in the post before becoming the prime minister of India in 2014.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi praised Modi’s leadership and his contribution to India’s development and growing global influence.
Takaichi said Modi had worked for the progress of Indian society and the country since taking charge in Gujarat in 2001. She also credited him with strengthening India’s position on the international stage.
Recalling her visit to India in July, she said she had the opportunity to discuss with Modi ways to take the Japan-India Special Strategic and Global Partnership to a higher level.
Takaichi also referred to the 75th anniversary of Japan-India diplomatic relations, which will be observed next year. She expressed her desire to work with Modi to advance a Free and Open Indo-Pacific and further strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay described Modi as an “avatar of our times” while recalling his meeting with the Indian leader in New Delhi in 2019.
Tobgay said Modi had inspired Indians to develop greater confidence in themselves and their country. He noted that people appeared more ambitious about India’s potential and more confident about its role in the world.
Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr also extended his wishes to Modi and highlighted his journey from Gujarat to leading the world’s largest democracy.
Marcos said Modi’s tenure had focused on good governance, innovation, technology, infrastructure and development, contributing to India’s transformation and expanding international role.
He also noted the steady growth in India-Philippines relations and said he looked forward to welcoming Modi to Manila for the ASEAN-India and East Asia Summits in November.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever congratulated Modi on completing 25 years of continuous leadership in government, from Gujarat to New Delhi. He said he looked forward to further strengthening the partnership between India and Belgium.
Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah also conveyed his congratulations and wished Modi and his government continued success and prosperity.
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu described Modi’s 25-year journey in government as a “truly historic milestone”, noting that such an achievement was rare in a democracy.
Tinubu praised Modi’s vision and commitment to development and highlighted the strategic partnership between India and Nigeria. He recalled Modi’s November 2024 visit to Abuja, saying it provided fresh momentum to cooperation in trade and investment, energy, defence and security, health, education and technology.
He also underlined the shared commitment of India and Nigeria as major democracies and voices of the Global South towards a fairer and more representative international order.
Botswana President Duma Gideon Boko likewise congratulated Modi and appreciated his dedication and service to the Indian people. He expressed confidence that the friendship between India and Botswana would continue to grow.