Narendra Modi completed 25 years as head of government on Wednesday, marking a quarter century that began when he became Gujarat chief minister on October 7, 2001.

Modi served as Gujarat's chief minister for nearly 13 years before leading the BJP to victory in the 2014 general election. He has been India's prime minister since May 2014.

The Union Cabinet passed a resolution marking the milestone, noting his long tenure across state and national office. Party leaders described the 25-year span as unprecedented in Indian politics.

Congratulations poured in from abroad. Japan's prime minister Takaichi was among the world leaders who sent greetings on the occasion.

Modi is now among the longest-serving heads of government in India's history. His tenure has seen major policy moves, from the goods and services tax to the abrogation of Article 370.

The milestone comes as the BJP prepares for upcoming state elections. Party workers organised programmes across the country to mark the day.