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...
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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.
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.
The longest-serving Prime Minister of India is Jawaharlal Nehru, who served continuously from 15 August 1947 until his death on 27 May 1964.
On 25 July 2025, Narendra Modi (BJP) became the second-longest serving Prime Minister of India, surpassing Indira Gandhi’s record.
*Ongoing tenure
(Source: Lok Sabha Secretariat – “Chronological List of Prime Ministers”; PMO India official site)
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
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- 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)
- 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.
2. Narendra Modi (BJP, 2014–Present)
- 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.
3. Indira Gandhi (INC, 1966–1977, 1980–1984)
Indira requested President Nixon to stop Pak attack in 1971: US archive document
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- First and only woman PM.
- 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
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- 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 Vajpayee
( Image credit : IANS )
- Remembered for Pokhran-II nuclear tests (1998), Golden Quadrilateral highway project, and peace initiatives with Pakistan (Lahore Bus Diplomacy, 1999).