Putin Praises PM Modi, Targets US Sanctions; Says Sanction Against India Will Boomerang US

Updated: Saturday, June 6, 2026, 8:06 [IST]

Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke about India on Friday. He said sanctions against India will surely backfire. This follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strong leadership. Putin addressed this at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

He replied to questions from India Today’s Geeta Mohan. Putin insisted that India acts as a sovereign nation. External pressure will not change India's independent policies. India remains free to choose its own partners.

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At the St. Petersburg Economic Forum, Vladimir Putin stated sanctions on India would backfire, affirming its sovereign policies and continued defence cooperation, citing the successful BrahMos missile and offering the Su-57 fighter jet.

Russian fighter jet offer

Putin discussed the Russian Su-57 fighter aircraft. Russia once sought a joint program with India. This collaboration did not happen in the end. Russia went on to develop the plane independently.

The Russian leader called the Su-57 a modern aircraft. He said it is the most up-to-date in the world. Russia is now ready to sell this jet to India. The jet can perform many complex command roles.

Defence ties built on trust

Putin said defence ties with India are quite unique. They go beyond simple buyer and seller deals. The two nations focus on joint research and development. Trust forms the core of this long partnership.

He highlighted the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile project. Experts from both India and Russia designed it together. Putin called this a very successful defence collaboration. It serves as a key example of the partnership.

Independent path

Putin addressed concerns about potential United States sanctions. This might happen if India buys Russian defence gear. He said India follows its own national interests always. New Delhi picks products that meet their specific needs.

The leader recalled PM Modi’s past US visa ban. He contrasted this with today’s warm India-US relations. Modi showed how to navigate changing global circumstances. India manages ties with the West very successfully.

Putin stressed that politics do not dictate his decisions. Russia will not stop its deliveries to India. Nobody can tell Russia what to do, he added. Moscow remains committed to all agreements with India.