The upcoming bilateral meeting in New Delhi between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi later this week is expected to focus on major deals.
Ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s two-day visit to India, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that major defence agreements, including the Sukhoi Su-57 stealth fighter jets and S-400 air defence systems, are expected to be discussed. “I have no doubt it will be discussed during the visit… The issue of Su-57s certainly will be on the agenda during the coming Putin’s visit to India,” Peskov said. Peskov said the importance of a bilateral relationship free from external interference. “We have to secure our relationship, we have to secure our trade that brings mutual benefit,” he noted.
Condemnation of Red Fort terror attack
Addressing security concerns, Peskov condemned the Red Fort terror attack in India, expressing solidarity with the country. “Our country has suffered a lot from the hands of terrorists. And we know the pain of losing people because of acts of terror,” he said, reaffirming Russia’s support for India in counter-terrorism efforts.
Peskov said that Russia is prepared to offer favourable conditions for Indian investors, even as global sanctions challenge trade. “Indian markets are continuing their presence on Russian market despite all the sanctions,” he said.
Russia lauds India for its ‘very friendly stand’
Russia also expressed gratitude to India for its “very friendly stand”, particularly regarding the Ukraine conflict. Peskov praised India’s independent approach to global issues and ongoing dialogue with President Putin.
“This is a very important characteristic of our relationship… We are very grateful to India for a very friendly stand nowadays, a very friendly stand towards our country,” he said.
Peskov said that the bilateral relationship between Russia and India is built on a long-standing foundation of mutual understanding, partnership, and shared global perspectives. “This is a very important characteristic of our relationship. We are proud to have been shoulder to shoulder next to our Indian friends during their historic growth. We are very grateful to India for a very friendly stand nowadays, very friendly stand towards our country,” he said.
The Kremlin official underlined the significance of India’s stance on the Ukraine crisis, contrasting it with what he described as a lack of dialogue from European nations.
“We appreciate India’s position on the Ukraine conflict. We respect Prime Minister Modi’s stance and value the exchange of information between him and President Putin. Prime Minister Modi and his Indian counterparts are willing to listen to our position, which ensures mutual understanding. Unfortunately, we do not have such dialogue with Europeans how can you understand a position if you do not engage in talks? India listens to us, India hears us, and we truly appreciate that,” Peskov added.
“We’re selling much more than we buy from India. We know that our Indian friends are concerned about that. By the way, we’re jointly looking for possibilities of increasing import, imports from India to Russia. So we want to buy more from India,” he said.
