Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday said Moscow would not interfere in the complex relationship between India and China, expressing confidence that both countries are committed to resolving their long-standing border disputes through dialogue and peaceful means.
Speaking during an interaction with the heads of major international news agencies in St Petersburg, Putin described India-China ties as a “delicate” matter and emphasised that Russia maintains strong and independent relationships with both nations.
Putin Backs Dialogue Between India and China
Responding to a question on India-China relations, the Russian President said both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are working towards addressing issues of mutual concern, including the boundary dispute.
Putin noted that Moscow enjoys close ties with both New Delhi and Beijing but believes that bilateral issues between the two Asian powers should be resolved directly by the countries concerned.
He expressed confidence that the leadership of both nations remains focused on maintaining stability and finding mutually acceptable solutions to outstanding concerns.
India-China Ties Improving After Border Standoff
India and China have taken several steps over the past year to improve bilateral relations following years of tensions triggered by the 2020 Galwan Valley clash and the prolonged military standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
The two countries have engaged in diplomatic and military-level talks aimed at reducing tensions and restoring normalcy in their relationship. Recent efforts have focused on confidence-building measures, disengagement processes and the resumption of dialogue mechanisms.
Putin`s remarks come at a time when both countries are attempting to stabilise ties while continuing discussions on unresolved border-related issues.
Russia Balances Strong Ties With Both Nations
The Russian President highlighted Moscow`s long-standing partnerships with both India and China, stressing that the two relationships have evolved independently over decades.
According to Putin, Russia`s growing cooperation with India does not come at the expense of its relationship with China, nor does its strategic partnership with Beijing affect its ties with New Delhi.
He described Russia`s engagement with both countries as natural and based on mutual interests across areas such as trade, defence, energy and regional cooperation.
Putin Recalls Origins of RIC Framework
During the interaction, Putin also spoke about the origins of the Russia-India-China (RIC) framework. He said the trilateral mechanism emerged after Russia encouraged greater engagement among the leaders of the three countries.
The RIC dialogue has served as a platform for discussing regional and global issues and has been viewed as an important forum for cooperation among major Eurasian powers.
Comments on India-Pakistan and China-Pakistan Relations
Putin also addressed questions regarding India-Pakistan relations, acknowledging the complexities surrounding issues between the two neighbours.
Commenting on China-Pakistan ties, the Russian leader said he does not believe Pakistan is under China`s control. He described Pakistan as a major country that maintains relationships with multiple nations while recognising that cooperation with China remains important for Islamabad.
Russia Offers Defence Cooperation and Technology
Defence cooperation between India and Russia also featured prominently in Putin`s remarks. The Russian President cited the successful joint development and production of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile as an example of the deep defence partnership between the two countries.
Putin also revealed that Russia has proposed joint collaboration with India on fifth-generation fighter aircraft technology, including potential cooperation related to the Su-57 fighter jet programme.
India is currently exploring options to strengthen its air combat capabilities, and Putin said Russia remains ready to supply advanced military platforms and share critical technologies with India.
Strategic Partnership Remains Strong
The Russian President reiterated Moscow`s commitment to expanding cooperation with India across defence, technology and strategic sectors. His remarks underscored the importance Russia continues to attach to its relationship with India while maintaining close engagement with China.
(With inputs from PTI)
Vladimir Putin says Russia will not interfere in India-China relations
