Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers a message to India

Moscow: – Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed confidence that India’s relations will become stronger on all the levels. Russian President Putin sent messages to Indian President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi wishing them on Christmas and the new year. The Russian President said that India and Russia share a special relationship and expressed confidence that both the countries will cooperate in regional and international issues, in the future. The decision has been taken to postpone the policy discussions to be held between India and Russia. Therefore, the Chinese and Pakistani media started rejoicing, claiming that India and Russia’s bilateral relations are strained. But the message from President Putin puts these speculations made by both these countries to rest.

Only a few weeks ago, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, had passed remarks on the Indian participation in QUAD. Lavrov had said that India should not become a part of the front against China, joining hands with the United States, Japan and Australia. The comments made by the Russian Foreign Minister regarding the Indian sovereignty were disturbing for the Indian statesmen. The Russian Ambassador to India tried to cover up in the matter. But the criticism that Russia is not serious about the Indian security had started after this.

China martyred 20 Indian soldiers launching a surprise attack on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh. The wave of anger was raging in India following this. Even after that, China incited India with massive deployments on the LAC in Ladakh. After that, India retaliated by indicating to adopt a more active role in QUAD. India pointed out to Russia that it did not consider the Indian security concerns while criticising this Indian decision.

Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar clarified that India attaches the highest priority to friendly relations with Russia. Jaishankar replied to the Russian objections saying that this decision was necessary for the country’s security. Next was the announcement of the postponement of the policy discussion between India and Russia. By citing this reference, the Chinese government mouthpiece, Global Times, started claiming that India and Russia’s relations are strained. The Global Times passed the verdict that although both the countries do not accept it on its face, talks being held regularly over the last two decades, have not been held, says a lot. Even the analysts in Pakistan started claiming that Russia is distancing itself from India and that Russia will be assisting Pakistan against India.

The messages sent by the Russian President, to the Indian President and Prime Minister, become extremely significant against this background and this could prove to be a dampener for the enthusiasm of China and Pakistan.