Modi Set to Visit Russia, Kremlin Announces; European Court Rules Against Russia on Crimea Rights Violations
MOSCOW—Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is preparing to visit Russia, stated by Kremlin spokesperson Yuri Ushakov on Tuesday. Although the specific date of this visit remains undisclosed, the announcement follows Modi's recent reelection for a third consecutive term. The visit underscores the deep historical ties between India and Russia that date back to the Cold War. India, under Modi’s leadership, has maintained a neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict while recognizing the importance of a peaceful resolution. Modi last visited Russia in 2019 for an economic forum in Vladivostok and Moscow in 2015.
On another front, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has ruled that Russia is responsible for multiple human rights violations in Crimea following its annexation of the peninsula in 2014. The court's judgment cited infringements on freedoms of expression, religion, and assembly, alongside breaches of international humanitarian law. The ruling also noted retaliatory prosecutions and a crackdown on political opposition in Crimea. Despite Russia’s expulsion from the Council of Europe and the ECHR’s lack of enforcement power over Russia, the ruling may support individual reparations claims. Russia continues to assert that its control over Crimea is legitimate, supported by a local referendum, considered illegal by Ukraine and Western governments.