ST. PETERSBURG: Russian President Vladimir Putin has strongly defended India’s strategic autonomy, declaring that any external attempts to pressure New Delhi through economic sanctions would immediately backfire. Highlighting the strength of bilateral ties, Putin emphasized that independent nations must retain absolute freedom to choose their own global defence and economic partners.
Speaking at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Putin lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, stating that India consistently acts strictly in accordance with its own national interests, regardless of mounting geopolitical pressure from Western nations over its continued relationship with Moscow.
“India always acts as a sovereign country, and under the leadership of PM Modi, any potential threats of sanctions would boomerang immediately,” Putin asserted during the forum.
Addressing concerns over whether India could face U.S. sanctions for exploring advanced Russian military hardware—such as the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter aircraft or the cutting-edge S-500 air defence platform—Putin reiterated that New Delhi’s independent foreign policy cannot be swayed by external political dictates.
He clarified that India’s defence procurement decisions are guided entirely by its own operational requirements and technological value rather than shifting international dynamics.
Furthermore, Putin emphasized that Moscow-New Delhi military cooperation remains completely immune to outside interference, stating bluntly: “Nobody can dictate to us.” While a previous joint development programme for the Su-57 between the two nations did not materialize, Putin confirmed that Russia successfully completed the advanced fighter jet independently and stands fully prepared to export the Su-57 aircraft to India.
He concluded by promising that Russia will reliably honor all of its bilateral agreements and long-term commitments to its trusted global allies, specifically highlighting India.
