PM Modi congratulates 'friend' Meloni on becoming longest-serving postwar Italian PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni, a day after she become Italy's longest continuously serving prime minister since the post- World War II era.In a post on X, PM Modi said the milestone reflects Italian people's confidence in Meloni."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," the prime minister wrote."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.The two leaders' widely known friendship is often referred to as "Melodi" - a combination of their surnames.Meloni, who has served as Italy's prime minister since October 2022, is the first woman to hold that position.On Thursday, her conservative administration marked 1,413 uninterrupted days in office, making it Italy's longest-serving continuous government since World War II and surpassing the record previously set by late former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi from 2001 to 2005.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.