PUTIN WARNS SANCTIONS AGAINST INDIA WOULD ‘BOOMERANG’ UNDER MODI’S LEADERSHIP

Putin made the remarks during the annual St Petersburg International Economic Forum on Friday while responding to a question regarding comments he had made during an interaction with heads of leading global news agencies the previous night.

Emphasising India's sovereign approach to international affairs, Putin said the country consistently acts in accordance with its national interests and remains unaffected by external pressure. He stated that under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, any potential threats of sanctions against India would have an immediate reverse impact on those attempting to impose them.

The Russian President also highlighted his long-standing association with Modi and recalled a period when the Indian leader was barred from entering the United States. Putin said Modi would never forget that episode. He noted that after Modi became Prime Minister, all such restrictions were removed and relations between India and the United States subsequently developed successfully.

Addressing questions regarding the possibility of India facing United States sanctions if it acquires advanced Russian military platforms such as the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter aircraft or the S-500 air defence system, Putin reiterated that India is a sovereign nation with the right to independently select defence equipment that best meets its operational requirements and offers the most competitive value.

He stated that India has consistently followed this approach and has always prioritised its national interests while making strategic procurement decisions.

Putin further stressed that Russia's cooperation with India, as with all its international partners, is not influenced by changing political circumstances. He said Russia cannot be dictated to by external forces and will continue to honour commitments made to its partners, particularly trusted partners such as India.

Highlighting the depth of bilateral ties, Putin described relations between Russia and India as unique and built upon mutual trust. He noted that cooperation extends beyond trade and defence purchases, encompassing joint research and development initiatives.

Referring to one of the most prominent examples of such collaboration, Putin said experts from both countries continue to work together on the design and development of the BrahMos supersonic missile system.

Discussing the Sukhoi Su-57 stealth fighter programme, Putin revealed that Russia had initially proposed a joint development project with India. However, after the plan failed to materialise, Moscow proceeded independently with the programme. He described the Su-57 as an exceptionally advanced combat aircraft and claimed it is among the most modern fighter jets currently available worldwide. Putin added that Russia remains prepared to sell the aircraft to India.

For decades, Russia has remained India's principal defence supplier, forming the backbone of New Delhi's military inventory across multiple branches of the armed forces.

However, supply chain disruptions and delivery delays caused by the ongoing war in Ukraine have compelled India to diversify its defence procurement strategy aggressively and reduce dependence on a single source of military equipment.

Following a prolonged search for a fifth-generation fighter aircraft, India launched the Advanced Multirole Combat Aircraft programme, widely regarded as the country's most ambitious indigenous aerospace project.

As the Advanced Multirole Combat Aircraft is not expected to enter service with the Indian Air Force before 2035, the government is reportedly evaluating the acquisition of at least two squadrons, approximately 36 aircraft, of the Russian Su-57 fighter jet, subject to the platform meeting all required technical and operational specifications.

Putin's remarks come at a crucial time as India continues to balance strategic autonomy, defence modernisation, and global partnerships. His strong endorsement of India's sovereign decision-making highlights the enduring strength of the India-Russia relationship even as New Delhi expands its defence and diplomatic engagements across the world.