Russia congratulates PM Modi on becoming India's longest-serving elected PM
Synopsis
The Kremlin didn't just send a routine congratulatory note — it used Modi's 12-year milestone to publicly reaffirm Russia's stake in the India partnership. Peskov's pointed reference to 250 million lifted out of poverty and India's economic rise reads as much as a diplomatic signal as a personal tribute, coming weeks after Lavrov's New Delhi visit.
Key Takeaways
PM Narendra Modi completed 12 years as India's Prime Minister on 10 June , becoming the longest-serving democratically elected PM in consecutive terms.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov issued a formal felicitation, shared by the Indian Embassy in Russia on X.
Peskov credited Modi's tenure with lifting 250 million people out of poverty and accelerating India's rise as a leading economic power.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had visited New Delhi last month, discussing Ukraine, West Asia, and bilateral cooperation.
The last India-Russia Annual Summit — the 23rd — was held in December 2025 , with bilateral trade and diplomatic ties continuing to expand.
Russian Presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Wednesday, 10 June congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on becoming India's longest-serving democratically elected Prime Minister in consecutive terms, marking 12 years at the helm of the Central government. The felicitation was shared by the Indian Embassy in Russia on X.
What the Kremlin Said
In a detailed statement, Peskov described Modi as the 'doyen of all Indian Prime Ministers' — a term he explained as the leader who has served the longest. 'He was elected on 26 May 2014 and is still heading the world's biggest democracy,' Peskov noted.
The Kremlin spokesperson highlighted Modi's origins, stating that 'he himself descended from a common family and his career has elevated him to the position of the leader of the largest country in the world, almost one and a half billion people.' Peskov further credited Modi's tenure with lifting 250 million people out of poverty and positioning India among the world's leading economic powers with 'the fastest rates of economic growth and development.'
India-Russia Ties in Focus
Peskov's remarks underscored the strategic importance Moscow places on bilateral relations. 'What is most important for us is that this is the country with which we are united by partnership. The country with which we are developing trade and economic ties in all possible areas. Dialogue is ongoing, including in the most sensitive areas,' he said, expressing hope that Modi would 'continue to contribute to further development of the India-Russia relations.'
This comes weeks after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called on PM Modi in New Delhi, where discussions covered regional and global issues including the situations in Ukraine and West Asia. During that meeting, Modi reiterated India's consistent position of dialogue and diplomacy as the path forward, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).
Bilateral Momentum Since December 2025
Lavrov also briefed Modi on the progress achieved in bilateral cooperation since the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit held in December 2025, where the two leaders last met. The PMO noted that 'Prime Minister requested Foreign Minister Lavrov to convey his warm greetings to President Putin.'
The Historic Milestone
Modi's 12-year unbroken tenure surpasses all previous Indian Prime Ministers in consecutive terms, a milestone that has drawn acknowledgements from world leaders. The Kremlin's public felicitation signals the continued warmth in India-Russia ties even as New Delhi maintains its independent foreign policy stance on global flashpoints. With bilateral trade and diplomatic engagement deepening across multiple tracks, both sides appear invested in sustaining the momentum through Modi's current term.
Point of View
Moscow is reinforcing the narrative of a partnership that delivers, at a time when Western pressure on India to distance itself from Russia remains significant. Notably, Peskov's framing of Modi as a leader of 'one and a half billion people' echoes language Russia uses to position India as a peer power rather than a junior partner. The timing, weeks after Lavrov's New Delhi visit and amid ongoing Ukraine diplomacy, suggests Moscow is keen to lock in goodwill at a moment when India's non-alignment is under scrutiny from multiple directions.
NationPress
26 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is PM Modi's 12-year tenure historically significant?
PM Modi completed 12 uninterrupted years as Prime Minister on 10 June, making him India's longest-serving democratically elected Prime Minister in consecutive terms. He has held the office since 26 May 2014 across three successive election mandates.
What did Russia's Kremlin spokesperson say about PM Modi?
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov called Modi the 'doyen of all Indian Prime Ministers' and highlighted that 250 million people were lifted out of poverty during his tenure. He also praised India's economic growth and expressed hope that Modi would continue strengthening India-Russia ties.
What is the current state of India-Russia relations?
India and Russia are actively expanding trade and diplomatic ties across multiple areas, including sensitive strategic domains. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov visited New Delhi last month, and the two sides last met at the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit in December 2025.
Did PM Modi and President Putin meet recently?
The two leaders last met at the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit in December 2025. During Lavrov's recent New Delhi visit, PM Modi requested the Foreign Minister to convey his warm greetings to President Putin, according to the PMO.
What is India's position on the Ukraine conflict?
India has consistently advocated dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward on Ukraine, a stance PM Modi reiterated directly to Foreign Minister Lavrov during their meeting in New Delhi last month, according to the Prime Minister's Office.
