St Petersburg, June 5
Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed confidence that India and China can resolve their long-standing border dispute through dialogue, saying both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are committed to addressing their differences peacefully.
Speaking during an interaction with heads of major international news agencies, Putin described India-China ties as a “delicate” matter and said Russia would not interfere in the relationship between the two Asian powers.
“President Xi and Prime Minister Modi are both trying to resolve all the issues of mutual interest, including the border issue,” Putin said.
His remarks come as New Delhi and Beijing continue efforts to rebuild ties strained by the deadly Galwan Valley clashes in 2020 and the prolonged military standoff that followed.
Russia’s ties with India and China ‘independent’
Putin stressed that Russia’s strong partnerships with both India and China have evolved naturally over decades and are not directed against either country.
He said Moscow’s growing cooperation with New Delhi does not affect its relationship with Beijing, just as its close ties with China do not undermine relations with India.
“Relations between Russia and India do not disturb China, and our relations with China do not disturb India,” he said.
The Russian leader also recalled the origins of the Russia-India-China (RIC) dialogue mechanism, which later influenced the creation of the BRICS grouping.
Praise for Modi and India’s economic rise
Putin also praised Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, describing India’s rapid economic growth as the result of sustained efforts by the Indian government.
“India is one of the leading economies of the world. This is the result of the hard work that the government of India has been doing under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” he said.
He criticised attempts by some Western countries to pressure India into reducing its ties with Russia, arguing that such efforts would be harmful to international relations and global stability.
Putin described India as a reliable strategic partner and welcomed New Delhi’s independent foreign policy.
Trade target of $100 billion
Highlighting growing economic cooperation, Putin said Russia and India aim to increase bilateral trade from around $60 billion to $100 billion annually.
He identified energy, pharmaceuticals, hydrocarbons and emerging technologies as key sectors for future cooperation.
According to Putin, India’s growing engagement with the United States does not create problems for Moscow, as New Delhi continues to pursue policies based on its national interests.
Russia renews offer of Su-57 fighter jet
In a significant defence-related statement, Putin said Russia remains willing to offer its fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57 stealth fighter aircraft to India and is open to jointly producing the aircraft in the country.
He revealed that Moscow had earlier proposed a joint development programme but India had chosen to evaluate other options.
“We are ready to work with India. There will be no restrictions whatsoever,” Putin said.
The offer comes as India pursues its indigenous Advanced Multirole Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme while also exploring options to strengthen the Indian Air Force’s future fighter fleet.
Putin further said Russia is prepared to cooperate with India on advanced air defence systems and other defence technologies, underlining the long-standing strategic partnership between the two countries.
Comments on Pakistan and Ukraine
On India-Pakistan relations, Putin acknowledged the complexity of the issues between the two neighbours but did not elaborate further.
He also rejected suggestions that Pakistan is controlled by China, describing Pakistan as a large country with diverse international partnerships.
Addressing the conflict in Ukraine, Putin said Russia remained open to a negotiated settlement but argued that Kyiv would need to be persuaded to compromise. He also questioned the role of European nations as potential mediators in future peace talks.
The Russian president is expected to visit India later this year for the BRICS summit, a visit likely to further reinforce the strategic partnership between New Delhi and Moscow.
