PM Modi congratulates ‘friend’ Giorgia Meloni on becoming Italy’s longest-serving postwar PM

Meloni’s conservative government crossed the previous record on Thursday, marking 1,413 uninterrupted days in office and surpassing the tenure of former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi’s government between 2001 and 2005.

Modi hailed the milestone as a reflection of the confidence that Italian voters have placed in Meloni’s leadership.

In a post on X on Friday, Modi congratulated Meloni and highlighted her role in strengthening relations between India and Italy.

“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,” Modi wrote.

He also pointed to the close relationship between the two leaders and its role in advancing bilateral ties.

“Her friendship has also been instrumental in advancing 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. My best wishes for her continued success in the years ahead,” he added.

Meloni has led Italy since October 2022

Meloni became Italy’s prime minister in October 2022 after leading a right-wing coalition to power.

She is the first woman to hold the country’s top political office.

Her government’s uninterrupted tenure reached 1,413 days on Thursday, making it the longest continuous government in Italy since the end of World War II.

The milestone moved Meloni ahead of Berlusconi’s second government, which remained in office from 2001 to 2005 before eventually losing power.

Meloni’s administration has remained in office despite Italy’s history of frequent government changes, making her tenure a notable feature of the country’s postwar political landscape.

The ‘Melodi’ bond

The relationship between Modi and Meloni has attracted considerable attention, with their political rapport often being referred to as “Melodi”, a combination of their surnames.

The two leaders have repeatedly highlighted the growing India-Italy relationship, particularly since the countries elevated their bilateral ties to a Special Strategic Partnership.

Modi’s latest message also underscored the importance he places on Meloni’s role in strengthening that partnership.

In his congratulatory post, the Indian prime minister linked their personal friendship with continued cooperation between the two countries, while wishing Meloni “continued success in the years ahead”.