'New sense of pride in being Indian': Ravi Shastri on PM Modi becoming India's longest-serving elected Prime Minister
New Delhi, June 10
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on becoming India's longest-serving elected Prime Minister, saying India's growing influence and standing on the world stage over the last decade have been impossible to ignore.
Taking to X, Shastri reflected on India's rising global profile and credited Prime Minister Modi's leadership for shaping what he described as a period of increased confidence and international recognition for the country.
"Many congratulations to Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji on becoming the longest-serving Prime Minister of India. Over the past decade, India has grown in stature and confidence on the global stage like never before. Having travelled extensively around the world, I can say from personal experience that the respect and recognition India commands today is truly remarkable.
"There is a new sense of pride in being Indian. Wherever you go, India is seen as a nation of strength, ambition and leadership. Much of this transformation has been driven by the vision and leadership of our Hon'ble Prime Minister. Wishing you continued success as you lead the nation towards even greater heights. Congratulations, Sir," Shastri wrote on X.
The milestone came as PM Modi completed 4,399 days in office as an elected Prime Minister, overtaking the record previously held by Jawaharlal Nehru. The comparison considers Nehru's tenure beginning after India's first general elections in 1952, excluding the period when he led the interim government following independence.
The achievement further cements PM Modi's place in Indian political history, having remained continuously in office since first assuming the post in 2014. He subsequently secured renewed mandates in 2019 and 2024, becoming the first Prime Minister after Jawaharlal Nehru to win three consecutive Lok Sabha elections.
His years in office have coincided with several flagship infrastructure and development initiatives, including the inauguration of the new Parliament building, the Central Vista redevelopment project, Kartavya Path, the rollout of Vande Bharat trains, the commissioning of INS Vikrant, the Statue of Unity, the Kashmir rail link, Noida International Airport, Namo Bharat RRTS and the Ganga Expressway.
— IANS
Reader Comments
While I appreciate the infrastructure development, we must also acknowledge the challenges like unemployment and inflation that persist. Credit where due, but let's not ignore ground realities. Leadership is about addressing all aspects, not just global image.
As an American following Indian politics from afar, there's no denying the shift in global perception under PM Modi's tenure. India's voice matters now in ways it didn't before. That said, democratic accountability remains crucial for any long-term leader.
Mai personally jab international conferences me jaata hoon, log puchte hain 'India kaise karta hai yeh?' - Vande Bharat, new Parliament, INS Vikrant... Bahut proud feel hota hai. Shastri sahi keh rahe hain, yeh naya Bharat hai! 🚀
Interesting perspective from a sporting icon. I wonder if this pride translates into tangible benefits for ordinary Indians, especially farmers and daily wage workers. Global recognition is great, but the real test is always at home.
The confidence Shastri talks about is real, yaar. My parents used to hesitate when saying they're Indian abroad. Now my cousins in Canada proudly wear Indian outfits. It's a mindset shift. Thank you PM for giving us that swagger! 💪
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