Russia’s Medvedev congratulates Singh after poll win

RUSSIA: Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Tuesday congratulated Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh with the election victory of the Congress-led alliance, the Kremlin said.

“Medvedev warmly congratulated (Singh) with the Congress-led alliance’s dramatic victory in the parliamentary elections, characterising it as a testimony of confidence the Indian people have for Singh’s government,” the Kremlin press service said in a statement. Both leaders agreed in telephone talks to continue the strategic partnership between Russia and India, and discussed bilateral contacts, the statement added.

Medvedev also spoke to Sonia Gandhi, the Congress party president, to congratulate her over the poll win, the Kremlin said. The Congress-led alliance won 262 of 543 seats, with Congress’s own tally at 206 — its best performance since 1991. MOSCOW, Wednesday, AFP