Putin reaffirms offer for joint Su-57 fighter programme
New Delhi, June 6. Russian President Vladimir Putin has strongly defended Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy approach, saying efforts by other countries to influence India’s ties with Russia are ineffective and counterproductive. He also reiterated Moscow’s willingness to collaborate with New Delhi on the development and production of the fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57 stealth fighter aircraft.
Speaking during a meeting with heads of leading international news agencies at the Constantine Palace in St. Petersburg, Putin said India under Modi pursues an independent foreign policy rooted in national interests and is not susceptible to external pressure.
Addressing concerns that India’s growing engagement with the United States could affect its longstanding partnership with Russia, Putin dismissed such suggestions. He acknowledged that Washington had sought to influence India’s position on cooperation with Moscow but argued that such efforts were unlikely to succeed.
“Everyone has long understood that putting pressure on Prime Minister Modi, who leads a nation of 1.5 billion people, is futile,” Putin said, adding that attempts to do so only undermine international relations.
The remarks come as India continues to maintain strong economic and defence ties with Russia despite Western sanctions imposed on Moscow over the Ukraine conflict. New Delhi has consistently defended its policy of strategic autonomy, asserting its right to make decisions based on national priorities.
Putin’s comments also carry significance ahead of his expected visit to India for the BRICS Summit later this year, where he is likely to hold bilateral talks with Modi amid shifting global geopolitical dynamics.
Responding to the Russian President’s remarks, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India’s foreign policy remains anchored in longstanding principles.
“The key pillars of India’s foreign policy remain unchanged,” Jaiswal said during the weekly media briefing, reiterating New Delhi’s position that it maintains partnerships with multiple global powers without allowing one relationship to come at the expense of another.
On defence cooperation, Putin revealed that Russia remains open to reviving earlier proposals for joint development and production of the Su-57 stealth fighter. He said Moscow had previously invited India to participate in the programme and would welcome renewed collaboration.
“We offered our Indian friends the opportunity to jointly develop this fifth-generation aircraft. We remain ready to work together on its development and production, without any restrictions,” Putin said, describing the Su-57 as the most advanced aircraft of its class currently available.
The External Affairs Ministry noted that defence cooperation between India and Russia remains robust and longstanding but referred specific questions on the fighter programme to the Ministry of Defence.
Putin also praised India’s economic progress under Modi’s leadership, noting that the country continues to register among the highest growth rates of major economies. He expressed confidence that bilateral trade, currently estimated at around $60 billion, could rise to $100 billion in the coming years.
Highlighting the broadening economic partnership, the Russian leader pointed to ongoing cooperation in the civil nuclear sector, including the Russian-backed Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, and said additional projects could follow.
He further noted that Russia remains one of India’s major foreign investors and said both countries are advancing several long-term initiatives aimed at deepening their strategic and economic partnership.
