Who Served India the Longest as Prime Minister? See the Full List
Nidhi | Sep 19, 2025, 12:01 IST
New Delhi, Aug 15 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets the gathering durin...
( Image credit : ANI )
Highlight of the story: Jawaharlal Nehru remains India’s longest-serving Prime Minister with 16 years in office, while Narendra Modi recently became the second-longest serving PM. This article lists the top 10 longest-serving Indian Prime Ministers, detailing their years in office and major contributions, from shaping India’s democracy to economic reforms, offering a clear view of India’s political leadership through history.
<p>New Delhi, Aug 15 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets the gathering during his address to the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort on 79th Independence Day, in New Delhi on Friday. (DPR PMO/ANI Photo)</p>
Since 15 August 1947, India has been led by 15 full-time Prime Ministers, each leaving a distinct mark on the nation’s political and economic journey. While most remember their major achievements, some lesser-known facts highlight their enduring influence. For instance, Jawaharlal Nehru not only served over 16 years but also established India’s space and nuclear programs. Indira Gandhi, beyond her famous policies, was instrumental in bank nationalisation and the Green Revolution, which transformed agriculture. Narendra Modi, as of July 2025, became the second-longest serving Prime Minister and the first non-Congress leader to complete two full terms and win a third consecutive majority.
According to Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and Lok Sabha Secretariat records, here is the verified list of India’s longest-serving Prime Ministers, along with their tenures and key contributions.
Total tenure: 16 years, 286 days (5,837 days)
Party: Indian National Congress
Key contributions: Oversaw the adoption of the Constitution (1950), India’s first general elections (1951–52), establishment of the Planning Commission (1950), IITs and AIIMS, and Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
(Source: Lok Sabha Archive – “Prime Ministers of India”)
Tenure as of July 2025: 11 years, 59 days (4,078 days) - ongoing
Historic record: First non-Congress PM to serve two full terms and win a third successive mandate.
Key policies: GST rollout, Digital India, PM Kisan, Make in India, G20 Presidency (2023), abrogation of Article 370 (2019).
(Source: Press Information Bureau, Election Commission of India)
*Ongoing tenure
(Source: Lok Sabha Secretariat – “Chronological List of Prime Ministers”; PMO India official site)
First PM of India, architect of modern democratic institutions.
Introduced Five-Year Plans, pushed for industrialisation, and championed scientific temper.
Led India during Indo-China War (1962) and laid foundations of foreign policy through Non-Aligned Movement.
Second-longest serving PM.
Known for GST implementation (2017), Digital India, abrogation of Article 370, and hosting the G20 Summit 2023.
Elevated India’s global profile with Act East Policy and closer ties with the U.S. and Quad nations.
Known for 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War victory, Green Revolution, and the controversial Emergency (1975–77).
Assassinated in 1984.
India’s most academically qualified PM (PhD in Economics, Oxford).
Oversaw high GDP growth, Right to Information Act (2005), and landmark Indo–US Nuclear Deal (2008).
According to Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and Lok Sabha Secretariat records, here is the verified list of India’s longest-serving Prime Ministers, along with their tenures and key contributions.
Who Is the Longest-Serving Prime Minister of India?
PM Modi leads nation in paying tribute to Jawaharlal Nehru on his death anniversary
( Image credit : IANS )
Total tenure: 16 years, 286 days (5,837 days)
Party: Indian National Congress
Key contributions: Oversaw the adoption of the Constitution (1950), India’s first general elections (1951–52), establishment of the Planning Commission (1950), IITs and AIIMS, and Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
(Source: Lok Sabha Archive – “Prime Ministers of India”)
Narendra Modi’s Recent Milestone
Self-reliance, sovereignty and silicon, PM Modi’s I-Day blueprint
( Image credit : IANS )
Tenure as of July 2025: 11 years, 59 days (4,078 days) - ongoing
Historic record: First non-Congress PM to serve two full terms and win a third successive mandate.
Key policies: GST rollout, Digital India, PM Kisan, Make in India, G20 Presidency (2023), abrogation of Article 370 (2019).
(Source: Press Information Bureau, Election Commission of India)
Top 10 Longest-Serving Prime Ministers of India
| Rank | Prime Minister | Party | Tenure | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jawaharlal Nehru | INC | 1947–1964 | 16 years, 286 days |
| 2 | Narendra Modi* | BJP | 2014–Present | 11 years, 59 days (ongoing) |
| 3 | Indira Gandhi | INC | 1966–1977, 1980–1984 | 15 years, 350 days |
| 4 | Manmohan Singh | INC | 2004–2014 | 10 years, 4 days |
| 5 | Atal Bihari Vajpayee | BJP | 1996, 1998–2004 | 6 years, 80 days |
| 6 | Rajiv Gandhi | INC | 1984–1989 | 5 years, 32 days |
| 7 | P. V. Narasimha Rao | INC | 1991–1996 | 4 years, 330 days |
| 8 | Morarji Desai | Janata Party | 1977–1979 | 2 years, 126 days |
| 9 | Lal Bahadur Shastri | INC | 1964–1966 | 1 year, 216 days |
| 10 | V. P. Singh | Janata Dal | 1989–1990 | 343 days |
(Source: Lok Sabha Secretariat – “Chronological List of Prime Ministers”; PMO India official site)
Brief Profiles of the Longest-Serving Prime Ministers
1. Jawaharlal Nehru (INC, 1947–1964)
Introduced Five-Year Plans, pushed for industrialisation, and championed scientific temper.
Led India during Indo-China War (1962) and laid foundations of foreign policy through Non-Aligned Movement.
2. Narendra Modi (BJP, 2014–Present)
Known for GST implementation (2017), Digital India, abrogation of Article 370, and hosting the G20 Summit 2023.
Elevated India’s global profile with Act East Policy and closer ties with the U.S. and Quad nations.
3. Indira Gandhi (INC, 1966–1977, 1980–1984)
Indira requested President Nixon to stop Pak attack in 1971: US archive document
( Image credit : IANS )
Known for 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War victory, Green Revolution, and the controversial Emergency (1975–77).
Assassinated in 1984.
4. Manmohan Singh (INC, 2004–2014)
Bangalore City University to be named after former PM Manmohan Singh
( Image credit : IANS )
India’s most academically qualified PM (PhD in Economics, Oxford).
Oversaw high GDP growth, Right to Information Act (2005), and landmark Indo–US Nuclear Deal (2008).
5. Atal Bihari Vajpayee (BJP, 1996; 1998–2004)
Laid strong foundation for India's development, good governance: Leaders pay tributes to Atal Bihari
( Image credit : IANS )