Putin Warns Against Sanctions on India, Emphasizes Sovereignty and Military Autonomy Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated that India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must not be undermined by external pressures, warning that any attempt to impose sanctions or restrictions on New Delhi would backfire. Speaking at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Putin emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government prioritizes national interests in shaping India’s foreign policy. He argued that India’s decision to acquire advanced military equipment, such as Russia’s Su-57 fighter jets and S-500 air defense systems, is a sovereign choice driven by its own strategic needs. Putin stated that imposing economic or political pressure on India would only result in “a boomerang effect,” with consequences reverting to the aggressor. He stressed that Russia’s defense cooperation with India is based on mutual trust and shared security goals, rejecting any notion that Moscow dictates India’s military procurement decisions. “No one can tell New Delhi what to do,” Putin said, asserting that India’s defense partnerships are rooted in its own capabilities and priorities. The remarks came amid ongoing discussions about India’s potential acquisition of Russia’s fifth-generation stealth fighter jets, which Russia claims are among the most advanced in the world. Putin highlighted that India’s ability to procure such systems depends entirely on its own defense planning and operational requirements, not external geopolitical dynamics. He also reaffirmed Moscow’s commitment to being a reliable defense partner for India, framing their collaboration as a cornerstone of their bilateral relationship.#russian_president_putin #st_petersburg_international_economic_forum #india_prime_minister_mod #su_57_fighter_jets #s_500_air_defense_systems
