St Petersburg: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday said that Moscow remains ready to cooperate with India on the Sukhoi Su-57 fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft programme, including both the supply and further development of the advanced combat platform, signalling the potential for deeper defence collaboration between the two countries.
Speaking to international media on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin recalled earlier discussions with India regarding joint work on the Su-57 programme and reiterated Russia’s willingness to pursue cooperation in the future.
“As far as the Su-57 goes, at one point we proposed to our Indian friends to work together on this technology,” Putin said.
Describing the aircraft as one of the most advanced fighter platforms currently available, Putin added, “It’s fifth-generation technology — I think it’s the best in the world as of now.”
The Russian President noted that India had previously opted to observe the programme’s progress before deciding on participation.
“But back then, our Indian friends said: ‘Go ahead on your own, and then we will see — maybe we’ll join’,” Putin said.
“The aircraft could have been our joint project. We built it independently, but we are ready to work with India in this field — to supply this aircraft and to keep developing it. We don’t have any issues with it, any limitations. The same goes for air defence systems,” he added.
Putin also praised India’s global stature and its independent approach to foreign policy. Referring to attempts by the United States to influence India’s relations with Russia, he said such efforts were harmful to bilateral ties and broader international relations.
Calling India a “great country,” Putin underlined the strength of relations between New Delhi and Moscow and described the relationship as a special and privileged strategic partnership built over decades.
“That is how I characterise this relationship. It did not occur yesterday or one or five years ago. This is something we have been working on for decades,” Putin said.
Reflecting on the historical foundations of the partnership, he said that diplomatic relations between the Soviet Union and India had played an important role in supporting the development of the newly independent nation.
“Back in 1947, when the Soviet Union established diplomatic relations with the Indian Republic, we have been doing everything to support the establishment of a new State, a new independent state,” Putin said.
“I’m glad to say that thanks to the hard work and the talent of the Indian people, India has made great and important achievements in its development,” he added.
Putin’s remarks come amid continuing defence cooperation between India and Russia and renewed discussions over advanced military technologies, including fighter aircraft and air defence systems, as both countries seek to further strengthen their long-standing strategic partnership.
