Sanctions Against India Would Backfire, Says Putin At Global Economic Forum
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday strongly defended India’s strategic autonomy, asserting that any attempt to pressure New Delhi through sanctions would ultimately backfire under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Speaking at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Putin said India has consistently pursued policies based on its national interests and is unlikely to alter its course due to external pressure over its relations with Russia.
“India always acts as a sovereign country, and under the leadership of PM Modi, any potential threats of sanctions would boomerang immediately,” Putin said.
Emphasising India’s independent decision-making, the Russian president noted that New Delhi has traditionally selected its defence and economic partners based on national priorities rather than geopolitical pressure.
“India is a sovereign country, and it is free to choose those products that it considers most up-to-date and most suitable for its needs. No matter what people say, India has always acted in this manner,” he added.
Putin’s remarks came amid discussions about potential sanctions-related pressure from Western countries over India’s defence cooperation with Russia, including possible acquisitions of advanced military platforms such as the Su-57 fighter jet and the S-500 air defence system.
Addressing the issue, Putin said India’s procurement decisions would continue to be guided by operational requirements, technological considerations and value rather than political pressure from other nations.
He further stressed that Russia’s defence partnership with India remains stable and is not influenced by changing international political circumstances.
“Our cooperation with India, just like with all our other partners, is not subject to the political environment,” Putin said.
He also dismissed suggestions that external actors could influence Russia’s defence exports to India.
“We can’t be dictated to. Nobody can tell us not to deliver equipment to India. We will always stand by the commitments we make to our partners, especially countries such as India,” he said.
Speaking about the Su-57 fighter aircraft programme, Putin revealed that Russia had earlier proposed a joint development initiative with India. While the collaboration did not materialise, Moscow continued developing the aircraft independently.
“The Su-57 is a very capable aircraft and among the most advanced fighter jets in the world today. We had offered to develop it together. That did not happen, but we completed the project ourselves and remain ready to offer it to India,” Putin said.
His remarks are being viewed as a strong endorsement of India’s independent foreign policy and a reaffirmation of the long-standing strategic partnership between New Delhi and Moscow.
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