'5th Gen tech, best in the world...': Putin says Russia open to jointly developing Su-57 with India
St Petersburg, June 5
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday said that Moscow remains ready to cooperate with India on the Sukhoi 57 fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft programme - in both supplying and developing it thus further deepening the defence cooperation between the two countries.
He made the remarks while speaking to global media on the sidelines of the St Petersburg Economic Forum on Thursday (local time).
Putin said, "As far as the Su-57 goes, at one point we proposed to our Indian friends to work together on this technology."
Describing the aircraft as a leading platform in modern aviation, he added, "It's fifth-generation technology- I think it's the best in the world as of now."
"But back then, our Indian friends said: 'Go ahead on your own, and then we will see - maybe we'll join'...The aircraft could have been our joint project. We built it independently, but we are ready to work with India in this field - to supply this aircraft and to keep developing it. We don't have any issues with it, any limitations. The same goes for air defence systems."
Putin also praised India as a "great country" and defended New Delhi's independent foreign policy, while taking a dig at the attempts by the United States to pressure India over its cooperation with Russia, saying such moves are "detrimental" to bilateral and international relations.
He also spoke on how New Delhi and Moscow enjoy a special privileged strategic partnership.
"That is how I characterise this relationship. It did not occur yesterday or one or five years ago. This is something we have been working on for decades. Back in 1947, when the Soviet Union established diplomatic relations with the Indian Republic, we have been doing everything to support the establishment of a new State, a new independent state. I'm glad to say that thanks to the hard work and the talent of the Indian people, India has made great and important achievements in its development," the Russian President said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is exactly the kind of strategic partnership we need. Putin acknowledging India's independent foreign policy is a big deal. We shouldn't be pushed around by Western sanctions and pressure. Co-developing the Su-57 with full technology transfer could boost our domestic defence manufacturing. The 5th gen tech is the future!
Interesting move by Putin. The Su-57 is impressive on paper, but its operational record is limited. India should proceed with caution and negotiate hard on tech transfer and maintenance rights. We've been burned before with joint projects that turned into cost overruns. Still, better than being dependent on unreliable Western suppliers.
The way Putin praised India's independent foreign policy shows he really gets it. We don't need America or anyone telling us who our friends should be. Su-57 co-development would be a massive leap for our air force. But let's hope we don't repeat the FGFA mistakes - we need clear terms on IP and manufacturing in India. Jai Hind! 🚀
This is a smart geopolitical move by Putin - offering carrots to India while taking a dig at the US. But we need to be realistic: the Su-57 isn't battle-proven like the F-35 or even our own Rafales. If Russia is serious about tech sharing and we can indigenize production, then yes. Otherwise, it's just another expensive toy with strings attached.
Abey, we should have taken this offer earlier! But better late than never. Imagine Su-57s flying over the borders with Indian
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