Russian President Vladimir Putin strongly supported India’s independent foreign policy on Friday, saying attempts to pressure New Delhi through sanctions would fail under the leadership of Narendra Modi.

Speaking at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin highlighted the long-standing relationship between India and Russia. He described the partnership as one built on trust, mutual respect, and shared interests over several decades.

According to Putin, India has always made decisions based on its own national priorities and is unlikely to change its approach because of pressure from other countries.

“India always acts as a sovereign country, and under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, any potential threats of sanctions would boomerang immediately,” Putin said.

India Follows Its Own National Interests

Putin emphasized that India remains free to choose its own path in international affairs. He said New Delhi has consistently followed policies that serve its national interests.

“India is a sovereign country, and it is free to choose those products that they consider to be most up-to-date and most applicable for them.”

He added that India has always followed an independent approach regardless of outside opinions. “No matter what people say, India has always been acting in this manner.”

Russia Sees India as a Trusted Partner

The Russian leader described India and Russia as close partners with a relationship dating back to 1947. He called the bond between the two nations a “trust-based, brotherly relationship.”

Putin also said Russia is not worried about India strengthening ties with other countries. Instead, Moscow views India as a dependable and reliable partner on the global stage.

Putin Recalls Modi’s US Visa Ban

During his remarks, Putin referred to a period before Modi became Prime Minister when the United States denied him a visa. “We all remember the time when Prime Minister Modi was banned from going to the territory of the United States of America,” Putin said.

He noted that the situation later changed dramatically after Modi became Prime Minister.

“Now he’s the Prime Minister, all the sanctions have been eliminated, and the relationship between the USA and India are also developing successfully.”

Putin used the example to underline how international relations can evolve over time.

Defence Cooperation Goes Beyond Arms Sales

Putin said defence ties between India and Russia are much deeper than simple military purchases. He stressed that both countries have worked together on research, development, and technology projects.

“Our relations with Indian friends are specific in that, thanks to our mutual trust, we concentrate not just on trade, not just on buying and selling,” he said.

According to Putin, this level of cooperation reflects the confidence both countries have in each other.

BrahMos Missile Project Highlighted

As an example of successful collaboration, Putin pointed to the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile programme. He said experts from both countries participated in the project from the beginning and helped create one of the world's most well-known missile systems.

“Indian experts participated in the design of this missile from the very beginning, and Russian experts as well, and the outcome was great,” he said.

Russia Still Ready to Offer Su-57 Fighter Jet

Putin also discussed the Sukhoi Su-57 fighter aircraft programme. He revealed that Russia had earlier proposed developing the aircraft jointly with India, but the partnership did not move forward. As a result, Russia continued the project independently.

“Su-57 is a very good aircraft, probably the most modern one, the most up-to-date in the world as of now,” Putin said.

“We offered that we should do that together. Well, it didn’t work out, but we did it on our own, and we stand ready to sell Su-57.”

Russia Open to Expanding Military Ties

Putin noted that a large portion of India's military equipment still comes from Russia, reflecting a defence partnership that began during the Soviet era. He said Russia remains willing to deepen cooperation with India, particularly in advanced defence technologies and future military projects.

The Russian president's remarks reinforced Moscow's view of India as a key strategic partner and highlighted Russia's interest in expanding collaboration across defence, technology, and other sectors.