Russia praises Modi for lifting millions out of poverty during record rule

Reuters - The Kremlin on Wednesday praised Narendra ‌Modi for becoming India's longest-serving elected prime minister, saying that 250 million people had been pulled ​out of poverty during his rule.

The ​Times of India said Modi had ⁠on Wednesday surpassed Jawaharlal Nehru to become ​the longest-serving elected prime minister in modern ​Indian history. Modi has served for 4,399 days, while Nehru served for 4,398 days, the newspaper said.

"During ​the rule of Modi, 250 million ​people have been pulled out of poverty," Kremlin spokesman ‌Dmitry ⁠Peskov told reporters. "This is a very important indicator for India."

"It is a country that has become one of the world's leading ​economic powers ​with the ⁠fastest rates of economic growth and development. And, most importantly for ​us, a country with which ​we ⁠have partnership relations," Peskov said.

Peskov said Russian-Indian relations were developing in all areas and expressed ⁠hope ​that Modi would continue ​to contribute to the development of ties.