During the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, Russian President Vladimir Putin praised India's strategic autonomy and sovereignty, asserting that any threats of sanctions would backfire under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. He reaffirmed the decades-long partnership between India and Russia, built on mutual respect and shared interests. Putin noted that India has consistently acted in its national interest, free from external pressures. He recalled a time when PM Modi was denied a U.S. visa, contrasting it with the current positive trajectory of U.S.-India relations. Putin emphasized the importance of defense cooperation, citing the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile program as a successful joint venture. He also mentioned Russia's proposal for a joint program involving the Su-57 fighter aircraft, which ultimately did not materialize, but expressed readiness to sell the aircraft to India. Putin concluded by stating that a significant portion of India's military still relies on Russian-origin equipment, highlighting the ongoing commitment to expand defense ties between the two nations.