PM Modi addresses 14th Conference of Parties to UNCCD in Greater Noida, U.P

Published By : Admin | September 9, 2019 | 10:30 IST
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Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressed the High Level Segment of the 14th Conference of Parties (COP14) of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) today, at Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.

 

The PM said that India looks forward to making an effective contribution as we take over the co presidency for a two year term. For ages we in India have always given importance to land. In Indian culture the Earth is held as sacred and treated as a mother.

“You will be shocked to know that desertification affects over two third of countries of the world. This makes a compelling case for action on land front combined with the action to address water crisis facing the world. Because when we address degraded lands we also address water scarcity issue. Augmenting water supply, enhancing water recharge, slowing down water run off and retaining moisture in the soil are all parts of a holistic land and water strategy. I call upon the leadership of UNCCD to create a Global Water Action Agenda which is central to the land degradation neutrality strategy”, the PM added.

PM said “Today I was reminded of the India’s Indices that were submitted at the Paris COP at the UNFCCC. It highlighted india’s deep cultural roots of maintaining a healthy balance between land, water, air trees and all living beings. Friends it would make you happy that India had been able to increase its tree cover. Between 2015 to 2017 India’s tree and forest cover had been increased by 0.8 Million Hectares”.

PM stated that the government has launched a program to double the income of farmers by increasing crop yield through various measures. This includes land restoration and micro irrigation. We are working with the motto of per drop more crop. We are increasing the use of bio fertilisers and reducing the use of pesticides and chemical fertilisers. We have created Jal Shakti Ministry to address all water related important issues in totality. And India would put an end to single waste plastic in the coming years.

PM said “Friends human empowerment is closely linked to the state of environment. Be it harnessing water resources or reducing the usage of single use plastic, the way ahead is behavioural change. It is only when all sections of society decide to achieve something we can see the desired results. We may introduce any number of frameworks but the real change will be powered by teamwork on the ground. India saw this in the case of the Swachcha Bharat Mission, people from all walks of life took part and ensured sanitation coverage, which is up from 38 percent in 2014 to 99 percent today”.

 

 

The PM reiterated India’s commitment to the global land agenda. “I also offer India’s support to those countries who may like to understand and adopt some of the LDN (Land Degradation Neutrality) Strategies that have succeeded in India. From this forum I would like to announce that India would raise its ambition of the total area that would be restored from its land degradation status from 21 Million Hectares to 26 Million Hectares between now and 2030”, PM added.

PM said that in order to further develop a scientific approach and facilitate induction of technology to land degradation issues, we have decided to set up a centre for excellence in India at the Indian Council for Forest Research and Education. This will actively engage, to promote South-South cooperation with those who wish to access knowledge, technology and training of manpower to address land degradation related issues. 

Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi concluded his address with ‘ओम्द्यौःशान्तिःअन्तरिक्षंशान्तिः’, elaborating that the word Shanti does not only refer to peace or the anti-dote to violence. Here, it refers to prospering. Everything has a law of being, a purpose and everybody has to fulfil that purpose.The fulfilment of that purpose is prosperity. So, it says- may the skies, heaven and space prosper.

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World leaders congratulate PM Modi on becoming India’s longest serving democratically elected PM in consecutive terms
June 10, 2026

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has received congratulatory messages from several Heads of State and Government from across the world on becoming India’s longest continuously serving democratically elected Prime Minister.

Prime Minister of Bhutan H.E, Tshering Tobgay congratulated Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, describing him as a friend, brother and mentor.

“To Prime Minister @narendramodi, My Friend, My Brother, My Mentor.”

President of Sri Lanka, H.E Anura Kumara Dissanayake extended warm congratulations to Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and noted Sri Lanka’s commitment to further strengthening the enduring ties between the two countries. The High Commission of Sri Lanka in India also conveyed President Dissanayake’s message reaffirming the close and enduring partnership between India and Sri Lanka.

“I extend my warm congratulations to Prime Minister @narendramodi on becoming the longest-serving elected Prime Minister in the history of India. Sri Lanka values our close partnership and looks forward to further strengthening the enduring ties between our two nations.”

 “President @anuradisanayake has conveyed warm congratulations to Prime Minister @narendramodi on becoming the longest-serving elected Prime Minister in India's history. The message reaffirms 🇱🇰's commitment to further strengthening the close and enduring partnership between 🇱🇰🤝🇮🇳” 

Prime Minister Malaysia, H.E Anwar Ibrahim of congratulated Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi on the historic milestone and described it as a testament to his years of dedicated public service and leadership. He reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and expanding opportunities for the people of both countries.

“Heartiest congratulations to PM Modi on this historic milestone of becoming India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister. This achievement stands as a testament to his years of dedicated public service and leadership in advancing India’s development, prosperity and standing on ysia values its close and longstanding friendship with India, and I look forward to continuing our cooperation in strengthening bilateral ties and expanding opportunities for our peoples. I wish PM Modi continued success and the people of India continued peace, progress and prosperity.

#MalaysiaMADANI

#MADANIbekerja

#YakinMADANI”

President of Nigeria, H.E Bola Ahmed Tinubu of congratulated Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi on the achievement, noting the trust and confidence reposed in his leadership by the people of India across three consecutive mandates. President Tinubu highlighted Prime Minister Modi’s contribution to strengthening India-Nigeria relations and wished him continued health, wisdom and success.

“I warmly congratulate Prime Minister Narendra Modi @narendramodi on the historic milestone of becoming India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister.

This remarkable achievement reflects the enduring confidence and trust the people of India have reposed in his leadership over tes. His dedication to public service, commitment to national development, and influential leadership on the global stage continue to inspire millions worldwide.

Beyond being a great friend of Nigeria, Prime Minister Modi is a personal friend and trusted ally whom I can always count on. Over the years, I have come to deeply admire his wisdom, courage, and commitment to the progress and prosperity of his nation.

As a distinguished recipient of Nigeria’s national honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), he has also contributed immensely to strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between our two countries.

On behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, I wish Prime Minister Modi continued good health, wisdom, and success as he leads India to even greater heights.

— Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR

President, Federal Republic of Nigeria

Presidential Villa, Abuja

June 9, 2026”

President of the Maldives, H.E Dr Mohamed Muizzu conveyed warm congratulations to Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi on becoming India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister by consecutive days in office and expressed his country’s desire to further strengthen cooperation with India based on mutual respect, sovereign equality and shared interests.

“Warm congratulations to His Excellency Prime Minister @narendramodi on becoming India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister by consecutive days in office.

The Maldives looks forward to further strengthening cooperation with India, guided by mutual respect, sovereign equality, and shared interests.”

President of Kenya, H.E William Samoei Ruto congratulated Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi on the historic milestone, describing it as a reflection of the trust and confidence placed in his leadership by the people of India. He also expressed Kenya’s commitment to deepening cooperation with India for the mutual benefit of both nations.

“Congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on attaining a historic milestone in public service, as today you become the longest-serving elected Prime Minister in India’s history.

This reflects the trust and confidence reposed in your leadership by the people of India across tes in the world’s largest democracy.

Your journey from humble beginnings to this position is a testament to dedication, perseverance and public service.

Kenya values its strong and enduring partnership with India and looks forward to deepening cooperation for the mutual benefit of our peoples.

Best wishes for continued success and service to the people of India.”

President of the Republic of Korea, H.E Lee Jae-myung congratulated Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi on becoming the longest-serving Prime Minister in the history of India. He acknowledged Prime Minister Modi’s role in India’s development and progress and expressed confidence in further advancing the Korea-India Special Strategic Partnership.

“이재명 @Jaemyung_Lee (President of South Korea)

“माननीय प्रधानमंत्री @narendramodi

मैं आपको दुनिया के सबसे बड़े लोकतंत्र भारत के सबसे लंबे समय तक सेवा करने वाले प्रधानमंत्री बनने पर हार्दिक बधाई देता हूँ।

आपने कई वर्षों तक भारत के विकास और प्रगति का नेतृत्व किया है तथा अंतरराष्ट्रीय समुदाय में भारत की प्रतिष्ठा को ऊँचा उठाने में महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाई है। मुझे विश्वास है कि यह उपलब्धि भारत के लोगों द्वारा आपके नेतृत्व पर जताए गए भरोसे को दर्शाती है।

अप्रैल में हमने कोरिया-भारत विशेष रणनीतिक साझेदारी को और आगे बढ़ाने तथा विकास और नवाचार से भरे भविष्य के निर्माण के लिए मिलकर काम करने पर सहमति जताई थी। मैं आपके साथ विश्वास और मित्रता को आगे बढ़ाने तथा हमारे दोनों देशों के लोगों के लिए लाभकारी ठोस परिणाम प्राप्त करने की आशा करता हूँ।

मैं आपके उत्तम स्वास्थ्य और भारत के लोगों के सुख, समृद्धि और खुशहाली की कामना करता हूँ।“

Prime Minister of Italy, H.E Giorgia Meloni congratulated Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi on becoming the longest-serving elected Prime Minister in India’s history. She recalled their recent meeting in Rome and expressed her commitment to advancing the Special Strategic Partnership between India and Italy for the benefit of both nations and their peoples.

“Giorgia Meloni@GiorgiaMeloni

Translated from Italian

Congratulations to

@narendramodi

who today becomes the longest-serving elected Prime Minister in the history of India.

It has been a pleasure to meet again in Rome in recent weeks and to launch together a Special Strategic Partnership that looks to the future to create new opportunities for our Nations and our peoples.”

Prime Minister of Denmark H.E. Mette Frederiksen congratulated Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi on the distinction of being the longest uninterrupted serving democratically elected Prime Minister of India. She expressed her desire to continue working with Prime Minister Modi and to further strengthen and expand the partnership between the two countries into new areas.

“PM Frederiksen: “Congratulations on the distinction of the longest
uninterrupted service as democratically elected PM of India @narendramodi. I look forward to continuing working with you and to further strengthening and expanding our partnership to new areas.” 

President of the Republic of Cyprus, H.E. Nikos Christodoulides congratulated Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi on becoming the longest-serving Prime Minister in India’s history. He described the milestone as a reflection of years of dedicated service and leadership. President Christodoulides reaffirmed Cyprus’ commitment to further deepening cooperation with India and strengthening the strategic partnership for the benefit of the peoples of both countries.

“Congratulations to Prime Minister @narendramodi on becoming the longest-serving Prime Minister in India’s history. This remarkable milestone reflects years of dedicated service and leadership. Cyprus values its strategic partnership with India and is committed to further deepening our cooperation for the benefit of our peoples, 🇨🇾🇪🇺🇮🇳”

Prime Minister of Greece, H.E. Kyriakos Mitsotakis congratulated Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi on becoming India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister. He expressed his commitment to further deepening the strategic partnership and cooperation between Greece and India and highlighted the shared objective of building stronger bridges between Europe and Asia for the benefit of their peoples.

“Congratulations @narendramodi on becoming India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister. I look forward to further deepening our strategic partnership and cooperation. Together, Greece & India will continue building bridges between Europe and Asia for the benefit of our peoples.”