Vladimir Putin has said that India and Russia share ‘brotherly’ and ‘trust-based’ relations that go back nearly 80 years. He said Russia is ready to deepen cooperation with India in defence and technology.
Speaking at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin also said both countries have been dealing with energy supply issues linked to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and wider West Asia region.
“From 1947, when diplomatic relations were established, we have had very good, trust-based, brotherly relations in all senses of the word,” Putin said. “We know how talented the Indian people are, how well educated. Indians have great competencies, which have achieved world renown, especially in coding and in other fields.”
Energy cooperation during regional tensions
Putin referred to steps taken by Indian PM Modi during the energy crisis linked to conflict in West Asia. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi had to introduce certain restrictions here, asking people not to use personal cars, not to travel long distances, due to what is happening in the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.
He added that both countries had strengthened cooperation in energy trade and technology.
“I think our companies did the right thing and the Indian counterparts did the right thing when they decided to embark on this path of close cooperation, because right now we are trying to lend a helping hand and give our shoulder, increasing supplies to the Indian market and to Asia in general, and we certainly keep sharing our technological solutions,” the Russian President said.
Defence ties and BrahMos example
Putin highlighted long-term defence cooperation between India and Russia. “India and we have a very good long standing relations in terms of military and technical cooperation interaction. A significant portion of the armed forces of India are equipped with Russian equipment. This is a tradition that dates back to the Soviet times. Our relations with the Indian friends are specific, thanks to our mutual trust. We concentrate not just on trade, buying and selling, but also on joint research and development. Indian and Russian experts have been working on the design of the mid-range missile BrahMos missile. India has traditionally been purchasing aircraft from us,” Putin said.
Russia open to more defence cooperation
He also said Russia is open to expanding cooperation on advanced military technology, including the Su-57 fighter aircraft. “As far as the Su-57 goes, at one point we proposed to our Indian friends to work together on this technology,” he said. He described it as advanced fifth-generation technology and said Russia had continued development on its own after India chose not to join the project at that time.
India-Russia ties and foreign policy
Putin called the relationship a “special privileged strategic partnership” built over decades. He said India’s foreign policy decisions are based on national interest and should not face outside pressure.
“The US is trying to pressure India, including over cooperation with Russia, but it will resist such efforts,” he said.
On external pressure and relations
He added that attempts to influence India’s leadership would not work. “Everyone has understood that pressure on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India is detrimental for international relations.” Putin also said Russia sees India as a strong and reliable partner and does not view India’s relations with other countries as a problem. Moscow continues to support deeper ties with New Delhi.
“We see India as a very reliable partner; Russia sees no negative consequences from India’s bilateral relations with any other country. India is a great nation and democracy and Russia will continue to expand its relations with it,” he said.
First published on: Jun 06, 2026 06:48 AM IST
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