On Friday, 5th June, Russian President Vladimir Putin strongly backed India’s independent foreign policy, saying that New Delhi takes decisions as a sovereign nation and will not bow to outside pressure. Speaking at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin highlighted the long-standing friendship between India and Russia and said the relationship continues to grow based on trust and mutual respect.
💬🌍 ‘Sanctions will boomerang’: #Putin slams Western pressure on #India, backs PM #Modi at #SPIEF 🇷🇺🤝 https://t.co/PXlRwzl9na pic.twitter.com/dWCRyf34Sn
— Economic Times (@EconomicTimes) June 6, 2026
India will make its own decisions
During his address, Putin said India has always acted in accordance with its national interests and has never allowed external pressure to dictate its policies.
“India has always acted as a sovereign country,” Putin said. “Any attempts to pressure it, including threats of sanctions, will only backfire.”
He noted that relations between India and Russia go back nearly eight decades and described them as a “trust-based, brotherly relationship” that has existed since India’s independence in 1947.
Putin also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s past difficulties with the United States, recalling the period when Modi was denied a US visa. “We remember when PM Modi was banned from entering the US. Today he is the Prime Minister, and all those sanctions are gone,” he said.
Strong defence partnership
The Russian President stressed that defence cooperation remains one of the strongest pillars of the India-Russia partnership.
“India is a great nation and a democracy. We will continue to expand our relations,” Putin said, adding that Moscow has never viewed India’s growing ties with other countries as a problem.
Speaking about military cooperation, Putin said a large portion of India’s armed forces continues to operate Russian-made equipment, a partnership that dates back to the Soviet era. He also highlighted joint projects such as the BrahMos missile programme, saying the relationship is no longer limited to buying and selling weapons. “Our relations are based on mutual trust. We are working together on advanced technologies,” he said.
Putin added that Russia remains open to expanding defence cooperation further, including collaboration on the Su-57 fighter jet programme. “At one point, we proposed joint development. It is a fifth-generation platform and among the best in the world,” he said.
Cooperation in energy and technology
Putin also spoke about energy cooperation between the two countries, particularly during periods of instability in West Asia. Referring to disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, he said Russia stepped up supplies to India and other Asian markets to help maintain energy security.
“Russia increased supplies to India and the wider Asian market. We are ready to continue sharing technology and support,” he said.
The Russian President also praised India’s skilled workforce, describing Indians as “talented and well-educated,” especially in sectors such as coding, software and advanced technology. Emphasising the future of the partnership, Putin said India and Russia would continue to deepen cooperation in defence, energy, technology and other strategic sectors. According to him, the relationship remains strong because it is built on mutual trust, shared interests and respect for each other’s sovereignty.
