Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that Moscow aims to elevate its cooperation with India and China to a “qualitatively new level,” with a stronger focus on technological collaboration across key sectors.
Putin’s remarks came ahead of his visit to India from December 4–5 for the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit, being held at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Speaking at an investment forum in Moscow, he highlighted the importance of joint projects in energy, industry, space, agriculture and other sectors in strengthening bilateral ties with New Delhi and Beijing.
“We aim to elevate cooperation with the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of India to a qualitatively new level by strengthening its technological component. This is the objective of numerous joint projects in energy, industry, space, agriculture and other sectors,” Putin said.
He added that Russia has built a strong economic dialogue with Chinese President Xi Jinping and hopes to continue similar discussions with PM Modi during his visit. “We will also discuss these topics in detail during the upcoming visit to India… including increasing imports of Indian goods to our market,” he said.
During his India visit, Putin will take part in the Annual Summit and hold bilateral talks with PM Modi.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov earlier said that discussions could include the sale of additional S-400 long-range air-defence systems. “Highly on the agenda… this could be discussed. Our military industry is working pretty well. Russian arms make up 36% of Indian armed forces and hopefully will continue,” Peskov said.
He also confirmed that Russia hopes to explore the possibility of India acquiring the Su-57 fifth-generation stealth fighter, calling it “the best plane in the world.”
Highlighting longstanding defence cooperation, Peskov cited the BrahMos missile programme as a model for high-technology collaboration. “It’s not only about buying or selling; it’s an exchange of high technologies that paves the way for a bright future in this field,” he said.
Peskov further stated that Russia may also propose a new agreement in the nuclear energy sector during Putin’s visit. He noted that Russia possesses advanced technology for small and flexible nuclear reactors and has “real experience” in this area.
“We were deeply involved in creating a sector of peaceful nuclear energy in India, in Kudankulam, and we hope for the continuation of this project,” he said. (Agencies)
