Russia ready to offer Su-57 & air defence systems to India without any limitations: Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said Russia has offered India unrestricted tech transfer and joint production rights for its Su-57 fifth-generation stealth fighter jet.

"As far as Su-57 goes, the points we proposed to our Indian friends, we are ready to work together on this technology... the fifth generation technology. I think it is the best in the world... This aircraft could have been our joint project. We developed it independently, but we are ready to work with India. We don't have any issues or limitations. Same goes for air defence systems," Putin said.

Also read: India-Russia energy ties widen beyond crude to gas, nuclear and petrochemicals


The Russian proposal includes domestic manufacturing of critical components, co-developing a two-seat variant, and integrating Indian-made weapons. India has recently received the fourth consignment of five S-400 air defence systems that it purchased from Russia. New Delhi has approved purchasing another five S-400 air defence systems from Russia which was a game changer during Operation Sindoor.

Putin also emphasised that attempts from the United States to pressurise Prime Minister Narendra Modi over New Delhi's ties with Moscow would be harmful and ultimately ineffective.

Speaking with a select group of media in St. Petersburg on Thursday night on the sidelines of St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Putin said Russia views India as a trusted partner and does not view New Delhi's growing cooperation with other countries, including the US, as a threat to bilateral ties.

"The US is trying to put pressure on India in some matters, for example, when it comes to cooperation with Russia on some tracks. Everyone has understood that putting pressure on PM Narendra Modi is detrimental for international relations and for bilateral relations," Putin said.

Also read: Putin says Western attempts to limit India-Russia ties will harm global stability; Modi does not buckle under pressure

"It doesn't matter where this pressure comes from. We don't see any negative consequences," the Russian President said with regard to pressure on India for maintaining strong ties with Russia. He noted that India is a great nation and a major democracy that consistently acts in pursuit of its own national interests.

Despite India's expanding strategic partnership with the US, Putin said Russia remains confident about the future of its relationship with New Delhi. "We're developing our ties with India and will continue doing that. And we deem India to be a very reliable partner.”

While Putin did not specify any particular action by the United States, but his comments appeared to refer to Western concerns over India's strong partnership with Russia in energy, trade and defence.

The Russian President also expressed confidence in the future of India-Russia economic ties, saying bilateral trade could reach $100 billion in the coming years.

Putin also said Russia has offered India unrestricted tech transfer and joint production rights for its Su-57 fifth-generation stealth fighter jet. "As far as Su-57 goes, the points we proposed to our Indian friends, we are ready to work together on this technology... the fifth generation technology. I think it is the best in the world... This aircraft could have been our joint project. We developed it independently, but we are ready to work with India. We don't have any issues or limitations. Same goes for air defence systems," Putin said.

The Russian proposal includes domestic manufacturing of critical components, co-developing a two-seat variant, and integrating Indian-made weapons. India has recently received the fourth consignment of five S-400 air defence systems that it purchased from Russia. New Delhi has approved purchasing another five S-400 air defence system from Russia.