Narendra Modi has congratulated Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after her achievement of becoming the longest serving Prime Minister in Italy in the postwar era. Modi said Meloni was his “friend” and that her friendship had helped build the India-Italy Special Strategic Partnership.
Earlier this week, PM Modi said Meloni’s success had been a sign of her confidence and trust in her leadership by the Italian people. He also expressed his wish to work with the Italian leader to build on the relationship between India and Italy.
Modi also said in a statement: “I congratulate my friend Prime Minister Meloni on becoming the longest continuously serving Prime Minister in Italy’s postwar history. Meloni’s friendship has been very instrumental in helping to strengthen India-Italy Special Strategic Partnership and we look forward to continuous cooperation in order to build a prosperous future for the people of both countries.
Meloni’s political milestone is so crucial given Italy’s long history of political instability. Since World War II, there have been many governments in Italy, and even since then governments have been elected and then left; Italian governments have usually lasted relatively short lives. Meloni’s ability to remain in power for more than 1,400 uninterrupted days in the coalition government is a sign of continuity.
Meloni Sets New Postwar Political Record
Giorgia Meloni’s government has completed 1,413 consecutive days in office, which is the longest-lasting government of Italy’s republican era when the dictatorship of Benito Mussolini is excluded. Meloni is a unique figure in modern Italian politics.
Italy has seen a lot of political transition, coalition crises and political realignment over time. Governments since the Second World War have generally lasted around 14 months on average, so Meloni’s administration is impressive.
Meloni became Prime Minister in October 2022 when her Brothers of Italy party became the largest force in the country’s general election. Her rise was a dramatic change in Italian politics, and since then her government has worked to maintain stability and advance its domestic and international priorities.
She also has made her political position on the European political stage stronger because of the longevity of her administration. Meloni has become a much more prominent voice in the EU and has found herself balancing her government’s conservative political agenda and Italy’s position in European institutions and international partnerships.
India-Italy Ties Gain Momentum
PM Modi’s congratulatory message underlines the increasing importance of India-Italy relations. The two sides have since then been working together in many areas: trade, investment, defence, technology, infrastructure, energy and cultural exchanges.
The India-Italy relationship was elevated to a Special Strategic Partnership, with governments of the two countries working for economic and strategic engagement. Frequent high-level interactions between Modi and Meloni have contributed to a greater political exposure for bilateral relations.
The two leaders have developed a warm public rapport during their meetings at international summits and bilateral meetings. Their interactions have been among the most closely followed and both sides have repeatedly expressed hope for closer cooperation between India and Italy.
As for New Delhi, Italy is also an important partner in Europe and is also an important partner of India as it is looking to develop strategic and economic ties with European countries. Greater cooperation with Rome will give Indian companies a lot to do to develop new technologies and industrial development, defence, clean energy and manufacturing and it will also help to build an ecosystem for the development of the country's economy.
In Italy, closer ties with India provide access to one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies and an increasingly important geopolitical partner.
Political Challenges Ahead For Meloni
Though Meloni has established political stability, keeping up the same level of stability might become more difficult as Italy gets closer to its next electoral cycle. Her government will probably be weighed down by domestic political pressures, economic pressures and coalition dynamics.
Congratulations to my friend Prime Minister Meloni on becoming the longest continuously serving Prime Minister in Italy's postwar history. This milestone is a reflection of the trust and confidence of the Italian people in her leadership.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 4, 2026
Her friendship has also been…
Meloni will also face the problem of balancing domestic priorities with Italy’s commitments within the European Union and its wider international partnerships.
Even with such hardships, however, more than 1,400 uninterrupted days in office is a success in a country with political turnover. PM Modi’s message underlines the importance of Meloni’s tenure not only for Italy but also for the growing relationship between Rome and New Delhi.
The continued political engagement between Modi and Meloni is expected to remain an important part of India-Italy diplomatic ties as the two countries work to deepen their Special Strategic Partnership.
