India, June 15 -- Dear Mr Narendra Modi,

After I reached this place on May 27, 1964, I have generally kept away from writing letters. Old habits, however, die hard. My daughter is here, and so are my grandsons. None of us knows you personally, but we often discuss your tenure as Prime Minister because you happen to be one of our successors in a long line of occupants of a rather demanding office.

I was delighted to learn that you completed 4,399 days as Prime Minister on June 10, 2026. Since you appear to be in excellent health and full of energy, you may even aspire to surpass the record of your friend Vladimir Putin of Russia, who has served either as President or Prime Minister since August 9, 1999. Please accept my heartiest congra...