St. Petersburg, June 5: Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Friday that military cooperation between India and Russia is based on mutual trust. He emphasized that the partnership extends beyond trade to include joint development projects.
Addressing a plenary session at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin highlighted the long-standing and reliable cooperation in the defense sector between the two nations.
He noted that India has purchased numerous fighter jets and helicopters from Russia. Furthermore, he indicated that Russia has proposed its advanced Sukhoi-57 fighter jet to India.
Putin remarked, “The Sukhoi-57 is one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world, and it has been offered to India.”
The Russian President also cited the BrahMos missile program as a successful example of India-Russia defense cooperation. He described it as an excellent demonstration of the successful technical partnership between Indian and Russian experts.
In his address, Putin praised India’s independent foreign policy. He stated that India is among the countries that do not make decisions based on external pressure or directives.
He said, “India has never followed directives from abroad. The sovereignty and right to make independent decisions cannot be challenged.”
Putin had criticized attempts to exert pressure on Prime Minister Narendra Modi a day earlier. He stated that pressuring the Prime Minister of such a vast and influential country is detrimental to international relations and bilateral ties.
The Russian President also lauded India’s talent, education system, and technological capabilities. He remarked that Indian citizens are highly talented, educated, and skilled, particularly gaining global recognition in coding and information technology.
Putin stated, “India and Russia share very good, reliable, and brotherly relations in every respect. We know how talented the Indian people are. Their education and technical proficiency are respected worldwide.”
He concluded by noting that the decades-old strategic partnership between the two countries continues to strengthen, with broad prospects for increased cooperation in various fields in the future.
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