New Delhi, Sep 4: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni after her government became the longest continuously serving government in Italy’s postwar history.

Meloni’s government completed 1,413 consecutive days in office, surpassing the previous record of 1,412 days held by former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi’s second government from 2001 to 2005.

In a message posted on social media, Modi described Meloni as his friend and said the milestone reflected the trust and confidence of the Italian people in her leadership.

“Congratulations to my friend Prime Minister Meloni on becoming the longest continuously serving Prime Minister in Italy’s postwar history,” Modi said.

He also highlighted Meloni’s role in strengthening relations between India and Italy, saying her friendship had contributed to the development of the India-Italy Special Strategic Partnership.

Modi expressed confidence that the two countries would continue working closely towards a prosperous future for their people and extended his best wishes to Meloni for continued success.

Meloni became Italy’s first woman Prime Minister when she took office on October 22, 2022. Her government has maintained its coalition through a period in which political stability has historically been difficult to sustain in Italy.

The milestone also comes amid growing engagement between India and Italy, with both countries seeking to deepen cooperation under their Special Strategic Partnership.

Modi’s congratulatory message underlined the close rapport between the two leaders, who have maintained regular diplomatic engagement and have publicly emphasized stronger bilateral cooperation.

The achievement makes Meloni the longest continuously serving Italian Prime Minister of the post-World War II era, marking a significant milestone in Italy’s political history.