Russian President Vladimir Putin praised India's sovereign foreign policy and called external pressure futile during the St Petersburg International Economic Forum.
Putin told the SPIEF 2026 audience that India has never followed orders from abroad. He stressed that sovereignty and sovereign decision-making cannot be questioned. He highlighted trust-based relations with India since 1947 and called New Delhi a reliable partner. Putin also mentioned defence cooperation including the BrahMos missile and openness on the Su-57 fighter jet. On energy, Putin noted joint efforts to stabilise supplies amid tensions near the Strait of Hormuz. He described Indians as talented and well educated, especially in technology.
