Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media platform X to extend warm congratulations to Vladimir Putin on his re-election as the President of the Russian Federation. Putin secured a record victory in the Russian presidential elections, marking his unprecedented fifth term as president. PM Modi expressed his eagerness to work together with Putin to further strengthen the time-tested Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia in the years to come.
The three-day election in Russia concluded on Sunday, with Putin winning nearly 90 percent of the votes, according to the Russian electoral commission. However, the elections faced criticism from various quarters, with allegations of fraud and corruption. An independent Russian vote monitoring group labeled the presidential election as the most fraudulent and corrupt in the country’s history.
Despite these criticisms, world leaders reacted differently to Putin’s victory. China congratulated Putin, emphasizing the strong bilateral ties between China and Russia as comprehensive strategic cooperative partners. Chinese President Xi Jinping noted that the election result reflected the support of the Russian people.
In contrast, the European Union (EU) expressed concerns about the shrinking political space in Russia, which led to an increase in violations of civil and political rights. The EU highlighted the lack of choice for voters and the exclusion of opposition candidates, particularly those opposed to Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s response to Putin’s victory was somewhat ambiguous, stating that he was happy with the current situation but stopping short of endorsing Putin’s re-election explicitly.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko interpreted Putin’s victory as a significant signal to the West, suggesting that it reflected the Russian people’s rejection of attempts to destabilize the country’s domestic situation.
Meanwhile, former UK Prime Minister David Cameron criticized the Russian elections, highlighting the illegal holding of elections on Ukrainian territory and the absence of independent monitoring by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Cameron emphasized that the elections did not meet the standards of free and fair elections.
Putin’s victory elicited mixed reactions globally, reflecting the complex dynamics of international relations and differing perspectives on Russia’s political landscape. Despite concerns about electoral integrity, Putin’s re-election reaffirmed his position as a dominant figure in Russian politics and signaled continuity in Russia’s foreign policy approach.
Back in India, PM Modi’s congratulatory message to Putin underscored the importance of the longstanding partnership between India and Russia. The Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries encompasses cooperation in various fields, including defense, energy, trade, and cultural exchanges.
PM Modi’s emphasis on strengthening bilateral ties with Russia aligns with India’s broader foreign policy objectives, which prioritize building strategic partnerships with key players in the global arena. India-Russia relations have endured the test of time, characterized by mutual respect, trust, and cooperation.
As India navigates a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, maintaining strong ties with Russia remains a cornerstone of its foreign policy strategy. The partnership with Russia complements India’s efforts to diversify its strategic engagements and enhance its influence on the world stage.
PM Modi’s congratulatory message to Vladimir Putin reflects India’s commitment to deepening its strategic partnership with Russia. Despite challenges and criticisms surrounding Putin’s re-election, India remains steadfast in its support for a strong and stable relationship with Russia, rooted in shared values and common interests.