Putin Offers India Su-57 Jets Amid U.S. Pressure

During the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum from June 4 to 6, 2026, Vladimir Putin reaffirmed the strategic partnership between Russia and India, characterizing it as a trust-based, brotherly relationship. He projected that bilateral trade will reach $100 billion in the coming years, rising from approximately $68.7 billion in 2025, and cited cooperation in energy and civil nuclear projects like the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant.

Putin explicitly condemned efforts by the United States and European nations to pressure India into reducing its ties with Moscow, particularly regarding crude oil purchases. He asserted that India's independent foreign policy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi makes it a reliable partner and warned that sanctions against New Delhi would boomerang. This follows reports that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio intends to end oil import waivers for India, with a Treasury Department decision expected by June 17.

To strengthen defense ties, Putin offered India unrestricted technology transfer and joint production rights for the Su-57 fifth-generation stealth fighter and integrated air defense systems. While India is prioritizing its indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft program, officials indicated the government may procure roughly 36 Su-57s to bridge capability gaps. India also recently approved the purchase of five additional S-400 air defense systems, doubling its total order to 10 units. Putin further pledged that Russia would not interfere in India's delicate border disputes with China.