Ex-Australian PM Morrison hails Modi on becoming India’s longest-serving elected PM

Former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has congratulated Narendra Modi on becoming India’s longest-serving elected prime minister, praising his leadership, economic achievements and role on the global stage.

In a statement shared on his verified Facebook account on Wednesday (10 June), Morrison described Modi’s tenure as transformative, saying India had emerged as one of the world’s economic powerhouses under his stewardship.

“India has achieved a remarkable transformation, creating one of the world’s powerhouse economies, lifting hundreds of millions out of poverty and forging a new national confidence and self-reliance,” Morrison said.

The former Australian leader also hailed Modi as “a true statesman” and “a voice of reason, pragmatism and wisdom” in international affairs. 

He commended Modi’s efforts to advance India’s national interests while strengthening ties with global partners, particularly through the Quad grouping in the Indo-Pacific region.

Morrison highlighted the close cooperation between the two leaders during his tenure as Australia’s prime minister from 2018 to 2022.

He noted that the two countries elevated bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the COVID-19 pandemic, expanding cooperation in defence, maritime security, economic relations and other key areas.

He also pointed to the signing of the first-ever trade agreement between Australia and India in 2022 as a major milestone in the relationship.

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Morrison further praised Modi’s leadership of the Global South, saying India’s development policies provide a practical model for many developing economies.

Concluding his message, Morrison thanked Modi for his personal commitment to strengthening Australia–India relations and extended his congratulations, describing the Indian prime minister as “my friend”.