Putin warns against sanctions on India

St Petersburg: Russian Presi­dent Vladimir Putin said any attempt to undermine India’s sovereignty through threats of sanctions wo­u­ld “boomerang imm­edi­ately” under PM Narendra Modi’s leadership.

At the St Petersburg Inte­rnational Economic Forum on June 6, Putin said India acts as a sovereign nation and is guided by its national interests. About possible US sanctions if India acquires Russian defence platforms such as the Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet or the S-500 air defence system, he said New Delhi is free to choose equipment that best suits its requirements.

Putin emphasised that Russia’s cooperation with India is not influenced by political circumstances and highlighted the long-standing defence partnership between the two countries. He noted bilateral ties extend beyond trade to joint research and development, citing the BrahMos missile programme as an example. —AP