India and Russia share a “brotherly” and “trust-based” relationship dating back almost 80 years, Vladimir Putin has said. The Russian President on Friday reaffirmed Moscow’s willingness to deepen cooperation with New Delhi across defence and technology sectors.
Speaking at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin spoke of both nations navigating recent energy supply vulnerabilities caused by the US-Israeli war near the Strait of Hormuz.
“From 1947, when diplomatic relations were established, we have had very good, trust-based, brotherly relations in all senses of the word,” Putin said. “We know how talented the Indian people are, how well educated. Indians have great competencies, which have achieved world renown, especially in coding and in other fields.”
Energy cooperation amid West Asia crisis
Citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s austerity measures in the face of the war in West Asia, Putin said India-Russia cooperation helped address energy supply challenges.
“Prime Minister [Narendra] Modi had to introduce certain restrictions here, asking people not to use personal cars, not to travel long distances, due to what is happening in the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.
“I think our companies did the right thing and the Indian counterparts did the right thing when they decided to embark on this path of close cooperation, because right now we are trying to lend a helping hand and give our shoulder, increasing supplies to the Indian market and to Asia in general, and we certainly keep sharing our technological solutions,” the Russian President said.
Russia open to deeper defence cooperation
Putin also said Moscow remains open to expanding defence cooperation with India, including joint work and supply of the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter aircraft. He said the platform was earlier proposed as a joint development project.
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“As far as the Su-57 goes, at one point we proposed to our Indian friends to work together on this technology,” he said.
Describing it as a leading-edge platform, he said, “It’s fifth-generation technology- I think it’s the best in the world as of now.” He added that India had earlier opted to wait on participation, while Russia proceeded independently.
India-Russia bilateral ties
Earlier, Putin also underlined the long-standing nature of bilateral ties, calling them a “special privileged strategic partnership” built over decades of cooperation.
He said India’s foreign policy decisions are driven by national interest and should not be influenced by external pressure.
“The US is trying to pressure India, including over cooperation with Russia, but it will resist such efforts,” he said.
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On US pressure and India’s foreign policy
He added that attempts to influence India’s leadership were counterproductive.
“Everyone has understood that pressure on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India is detrimental for international relations.”
Putin further said Russia sees India as a reliable partner and does not view its growing ties with other countries as a concern. The Russian President further said Moscow views India as a reliable partner and does not see New Delhi’s ties with other countries as affecting bilateral relations.
“We see India as a very reliable partner; Russia sees no negative consequences from India’s bilateral relations with any other country. India is a great nation and democracy and Russia will continue to expand its relations with it,” he said.
