Sanjay Srivastava, president of the Afro-Asian community, has congratulated Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on completing 25 years in power.

Mr Srivastava, also founder of the Overseas Friends of Bharatiya Janata Party (OFBJP), Nigeria chapter, said in a statement on Wednesday that Mr Modi’s 25-year journey in public service is a significant milestone in India’s development and nation-building.

He said Mr Modi’s journey, which began as Gujarat chief minister in 2001 before he became prime minister in 2014, had been marked by initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, financial inclusion, digital transformation and social welfare.

He noted that Mr Modi’s administration expanded banking access through the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, while digital platforms and payments transformed the delivery of government services and financial transactions.

According to him, initiatives such as the goods and services tax, expansion of highways and railway infrastructure, and promotion of domestic manufacturing have also contributed to India’s economic transformation.

Mr Srivastava noted that India’s digital public infrastructure, particularly the unified payments interface, had become an important part of the country’s digital economy and attracted international attention.

He also referenced the government’s focus on affordable housing, healthcare, clean water, women’s empowerment, agriculture and support for vulnerable communities. He said these were areas where the Modi administration sought to expand access to public services.

The OFBJP founder said Mr Modi’s tenure also strengthened India’s scientific and technological ambitions, pointing to achievements in space exploration, including the Chandrayaan-III lunar mission, as well as developments in electronics and semiconductor manufacturing.

He congratulated Mr Modi on the milestone and wished him continued strength and good health as he pursued his vision for India’s development.

Mr Modi assumed office as Gujarat chief minister on October 7, 2001, marking the beginning of his continuous tenure as head of government.

He subsequently became prime minister in 2014 and has since won three consecutive Lok Sabha elections. 

(NAN)