Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday (June 5, 2026) said that any attempt under the leadership of Narendra Modi to put pressure on India through sanctions will ultimately backfire. He said that India is a sovereign country and has every right to choose its defense and economic partners.
Speaking at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin said India always takes decisions keeping in mind its national interests. According to him, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India has adopted an independent policy and will continue on this path despite external pressure. He stressed that any attempt to impose sanctions or put pressure on India will not succeed; Rather, it will have the opposite effect.
Putin’s statement on Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet*
Putin pointed out that Russia had earlier proposed a joint development project with India for the Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet. Although that partnership did not materialize, Russia continued development of the aircraft independently. He described Su-57 as one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world and said that Russia is ready to sell it to India. Highlighting the versatility and highly advanced technology of the aircraft, he said it is capable of performing a variety of roles and can be used in a variety of military operations beyond just air-to-air combat.
What did Putin say about India-Russia defense relations?
Discussing defense ties between India and Russia, Putin stressed that relations between the two countries go beyond just buying and selling. He said that both the countries cooperate on joint research and technological development, which is the biggest strength of this partnership. Citing the example of the BrahMos missile project, Putin said Indian and Russian experts have worked together since the beginning of its development, which has yielded very successful results. He described it as an important example of defense cooperation between India and Russia.
India is an independent country – Putin
When asked whether India might face US sanctions if it purchases defense systems like Su-57 or S-500 from Russia, Putin said India is an independent country and is free to choose defense equipment as per its needs. He said that India has always given priority to its national interests and will do so in future also. Putin also recalled the time when Narendra Modi was denied a US visa before he became Prime Minister. He said that today the situation has completely changed and India-America relations are getting stronger. According to him, this reflects India’s changing global role and its ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
