Tinubu congratulates India’s PM on 25 years in public leadership

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the 25th anniversary of his assumption of office as head of government.

Mr Tinubu, in a statement issued on Wednesday, described the milestone as a “historic” achievement.

He also said it reflected the confidence the Indian people had continued to place in him as their leader.

“On behalf of the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and on my own behalf, I extend warm and fraternal congratulations to His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India, on a truly historic milestone,” Mr Tinubu said.

Mr Modi first became Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2001 and served in the position for more than 12 years before becoming Prime Minister of India in 2014.

According to Mr Tinubu, the uninterrupted years of public leadership are considered a rare achievement in a democracy, particularly in India, the world’s most populous country.

He praised Mr Modi’s leadership, citing developments in infrastructure, digital public goods, financial inclusion and innovation.

“Across these 25 years, Prime Minister Modi has led with vision and an unwavering commitment to development,” Mr Tinubu said.

He said Mr Modi’s leadership contributed to Gujarat’s transformation and India’s emergence as one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies.

“India’s emergence as one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies, his leadership in infrastructure, digital public goods, financial inclusion and innovation has lifted millions and inspired nations across the Global South,” he said.

Mr Tinubu also highlighted the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and India, describing both countries as “great nations” and leading voices of the Global South.

He recalled Mr Modi’s State Visit to Nigeria in November 2024, during which Nigeria conferred the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on the Indian leader.

“That visit gave fresh impetus to our cooperation in trade and investment, energy, defence and security, health, education, and technology,” he also said.

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He noted that Nigeria valued its “strategic partnership” with India.

“As fellow democracies and leading voices of the Global South, Nigeria and India share a common commitment to a fairer, more inclusive and more representative International order.

“I remain confident that, under his continued leadership, the bonds of friendship between our peoples will grow ever stronger,” he said.