Putin Slams US Interference in India-Russia Ties
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated India makes its selections as a sovereign nation and would resist exterior stress, whereas underlining almost eight a long time of shut ties between the 2 nations.
Talking on the St Petersburg Worldwide Financial Discussion board, Putin stated India and Russia share a “trust-based, brotherly relationship” that dates again to 1947. He added that New Delhi’s insurance policies are guided by nationwide curiosity.
“India has at all times acted as a sovereign nation,” Putin stated. “Any makes an attempt to stress it, together with threats of sanctions, will solely backfire.”
He additionally referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s previous visa ban by the USA, saying the state of affairs had modified. “We bear in mind when PM Modi was banned from coming into the US. Right this moment he’s the Prime Minister, and all these sanctions are gone,” he stated.
Putin described India as a dependable accomplice and stated Moscow doesn’t see New Delhi’s ties with different international locations as a priority. “India is a superb nation and a democracy. We are going to proceed to develop our relationships,” he stated.
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On defence ties, the Russian chief stated cooperation between the 2 international locations stays sturdy and is rooted in a long time of partnership. “A big a part of India’s armed forces makes use of Russian tools.
This goes again to Soviet occasions,” he stated.
He highlighted joint tasks such because the BrahMos missile programme, saying each international locations are working not simply on commerce but additionally on analysis and growth. “Our relationships are primarily based on mutual belief. We’re working collectively on superior applied sciences,” he stated.
Putin additionally stated Russia is open to increasing defence cooperation, together with work on the Su-57 fighter jet.
“At one level, we предложed joint growth. It’s a fifth-generation platform and among the many greatest on this planet,” he stated.
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On vitality, Putin stated cooperation between the 2 international locations helped tackle provide issues amid tensions in West Asia, together with disruptions close to the Strait of Hormuz. He stated either side had labored to stabilise provides and assist one another throughout the disaster.
“Russia elevated provides to India and the broader Asian market. We’re able to proceed sharing know-how and assist,” he stated.
He additionally praised India’s workforce, calling Indians “gifted and nicely educated,” notably in fields like coding and know-how.
Putin stated the long-standing partnership between the 2 international locations would proceed to develop throughout sectors, pushed by what he described as mutual belief and shared pursuits.
