Sanctions Threats Against India: Putin Praises Modi's Leadership and Sovereign Policy

Sanctions Threats Against India: On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin said sanctions would not work against India while Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in charge.

He praised India's independent stance and said every country should be able to choose its own defence and economic partners.

Sanctions Threats Against India: Putin Praises India's Sovereignty, Warns Sanctions Would Backfire

Boomerang Effect: During an interview with the media at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin said India has always put its own national interests first and will keep doing so, even when facing outside pressure about its ties with Russia.

"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 Russia Relations: Russia Ready to Sell Su-57 to India Again

Sanctions Threats against India: Putin said Russia once suggested working with India on the Su-57 fighter jet, but when the partnership did not happen, Russia built the aircraft by itself.

"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 the Su-57."

Putin said the Su-57 is still one of the most advanced fighter jets in use and can handle many tasks, including command and control.

Russia India Partnership News: Putin Calls India-Russia Defence Ties Built on Trust, Not Just Trade

He added that India and Russia have a special defence relationship based on mutual trust, which goes beyond just buying and selling. They are also focusing on joint research and development.

Putin gave the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile program as an example, saying Indian and Russian experts worked together on it.

He called it one of the most successful defence projects between the two countries. According to him, Russian experts were involved in the design of this missile from the very beginning, and the outcome was described as great.

No Foreign Policy Pressure: Putin Says India Follows Its Own Strategic Path

Sovereign Decision Making: When asked if India might face US sanctions for buying Russian defence systems like the Su-57 or S-500, Putin said India has always followed an independent foreign policy based on its own interests.

"To choose those products that they consider to be most up-to-date and most applicable for it," Putin said. He added that, no matter what others say, India has always acted this way.

India will pick defence equipment based on its needs and what gives the best value, not because of outside political pressure.

India Russia Latest News: Putin Recalls Modi's US Visa Denial, Contrasts It With India-US Ties Today

Sanctions Threats against India: Putin remembered when Modi was denied a US visa before he became prime minister and compared that to the strong relationship India and the US have today.

The Russian President said, "Since he became Prime Minister, all sanctions have been lifted, and ties between the United States and India have continued to strengthen."

He thinks Modi still remembers those events and said they show how India can adapt to global changes.

No Political Storm Can Shake Russia-India Ties, Says Russian President Putin

The Russian president said Moscow's defence cooperation with India does not depend on changing political situations.

He said, "Our cooperation with India, just like with all other partners of ours, is not subject to the political environment." He also said Russia will keep its agreements with New Delhi.

"We will always stand true to commitments given to our partners, especially countries such as India," Putin said.

Russia's Stealth Jet on the Table — Can India Afford to Say No?

Sanctions Threats against India: Putin made these remarks as India seeks ways to upgrade its Air Force with fifth-generation fighter jets. Right now, the IAF does not have any of these advanced aircraft.

There are also growing worries that Pakistan might acquire China's J-35AE stealth fighter.

India is still working on its own fifth-generation fighter, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), which should enter service soon.

Earlier this week, Putin told international media that Russia is ready to supply the Su-57 to India and to work together on developing and producing the jet, including sharing important technologies.

He also said, "Moscow saw no limitations on expanding defence cooperation with New Zealand." The Su-57 is Russia's main stealth fighter, designed for combat in the air, on land, and at sea.

It uses stealth technology, is highly maneuverable, and has advanced avionics. This puts it on par with the American F-35 and China's J-35, both of which are already in service as fifth-generation fighters.