New Delhi, 11 June (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed gratitude to several world leaders, including those from New Zealand, Japan, Australia, Ireland, the United Arab Emirates and Seychelles, for their congratulatory messages on his becoming India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister. The Prime Minister conveyed his appreciation through a series of posts on the social media platform X.

Responding to greetings from Christopher Luxon, Modi said that the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) represents a significant step forward in strengthening bilateral ties. He added that he looks forward to building on the positive momentum and taking the partnership between the two countries to new heights.

Earlier, Luxon had congratulated Modi on becoming India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister and said it had been a pleasure working with him to advance the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement. He also expressed optimism about the vast opportunities for cooperation between the two nations in the years ahead.

In response to a message from former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Modi congratulated him on assuming the position of Chairman of the Japan-India Association. He expressed confidence that under Kishida’s leadership, the organisation would further strengthen ties between India and Japan.

Kishida had congratulated Modi on serving more than 4,000 days as Prime Minister and wished him success in his future endeavours.

Thanking former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull for his message, Modi said he deeply values Turnbull’s friendship and his continued support for strengthening India-Australia relations.

Turnbull had congratulated Modi on becoming India’s longest-serving Prime Minister and praised his friendship with Australia, as well as his support for renewable energy initiatives, particularly pumped hydro storage projects.

Responding to greetings from former Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, Modi said India remains committed to further deepening and strengthening relations with Ireland.

Varadkar had congratulated Modi on completing 12 years in office as Prime Minister, noting that during his tenure India had become the world’s fifth-largest economy, millions had been lifted out of poverty, and substantial progress had been achieved in infrastructure development, welfare programmes, and women’s empowerment.

In response to greetings from Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Modi wrote, “Thank you for your warm wishes, my brother. Under your visionary leadership, the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has reached new heights. I deeply value our friendship and look forward to working together for the mutual benefit of our peoples.”

The UAE President had congratulated Modi on becoming India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister and expressed confidence in his continued success in leading India’s progress. He also voiced hope for further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

Prime Minister Modi also thanked Patrick Herminie for his greetings. He said that, as maritime neighbours and trusted partners, India remains fully committed to further enhancing the deep and multifaceted relationship between the two countries.

Herminie, in his message, congratulated Modi on completing 4,399 days in office, commending his role in transforming India, helping lift 250 million people out of poverty, and strengthening the cherished friendship between India and Seychelles.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar