Putin Backs India’s Strategic Autonomy Against Western Sanctions

Vladimir Putin has publicly endorsed India’s pursuit of strategic autonomy, dismissing Western threats of sanctions as counterproductive. Speaking at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, the Russian leader framed New Delhi’s independent foreign policy as a sign of maturity, signaling Moscow’s intent to deepen bilateral ties despite mounting international pressure.

The Russian President lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, noting that India’s ability to secure favorable economic terms remains unhindered by external interference. Moscow intends to honor its existing commitments, positioning itself as a reliable partner that rejects dictates from third-party nations. Putin underscored that Russia views India as a sovereign actor fully capable of prioritizing its own national interests.

Beyond bilateral relations, the Kremlin pointed to a tectonic shift in the global economic architecture. Putin claimed that the BRICS bloc has now eclipsed the G7 in total economic volume, identifying India as a cornerstone of this transition. He specifically highlighted India’s dominance in the IT and software sectors as a primary driver of the group’s growth, contrasting this trajectory with the stagnation he attributes to Western economies.