Tinubu congratulates Modi on 25 years in public service

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

Tinubu, in a congratulatory message issued on Tuesday, described the milestone as “a truly historic milestone”, noting that Modi first assumed office as Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2001 and became Prime Minister of India in 2014.

“A quarter-century of unbroken leadership is a rare achievement in any democracy,” Tinubu said, adding that the milestone was “a powerful testament to the enduring confidence the Indian people have placed in him.”

The President said Modi had, over the past 25 years, demonstrated a commitment to development through his focus on infrastructure, digital public goods, financial inclusion and innovation.

He said Modi’s leadership had contributed to India’s economic transformation and inspired countries across the Global South.

Tinubu also highlighted the strategic partnership between Nigeria and India, recalling Modi’s state visit to Abuja in November 2024, when Nigeria honoured him with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger.

According to the President, the visit strengthened cooperation between both countries in trade and investment, energy, defence and security, health, education and technology.

He said Nigeria and India, as fellow democracies and leading voices of the Global South, shared a commitment to a “fairer, more inclusive and more representative international order.”