"India's foreign policy is independent, its key pillars are well known": MEA
New Delhi, June 6
Ministry of External Affairs on Friday said India's foreign policy is independent adding that key pillars of it are well known.
Responding to a query about Russian President Vladimir Putin praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi for protecting India's national interests, Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal at a press briefing said, "India's foreign policy is independent, and our key pillars are well known to everyone. This has not changed."
On Putin's remarks regarding SU-57 program, Jaiswal said, "Russia and India have had strong defence relations for many years, which have continued over time. As for this specific program, you will be able to get detailed information from the Ministry of Defence."
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday said that Moscow remains ready to cooperate with India on the Sukhoi 57 (Su-57) fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft programme - in both supplying and developing it thus further deepening the defence cooperation between the two countries.
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 added, "The US is trying to pressure India, for example, when it comes to cooperation with Russia. But putting pressure on Narendra Modi is detrimental for international relations and bilateral relations. It doesn't matter where this pressure comes from."
On India's economic growth under the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Putin said, "India is one of the leading economies of the world that shows the highest rates of economic growth. This is not something that comes out of the blue. This is a result of the hard work that the government has been doing under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi."
Hailing the largest democracy and a thriving economy, Putin said, "It's only natural it (India) develops its economy in accordance with its interest with those countries that it deems necessary".
Earlier in the day, in an address to media at the St Petersburg Economic Forum, Putin said, "We are glad that India is developing its relations with all the countries. It's a great country."
— ANI
Reader Comments
The balancing act is impressive honestly. Our defence ties with Russia go back decades - they helped us in 1971 war and during Kargil. But we also have QUAD and strong US relations now. Modi ji has managed to keep everyone happy while putting India first. 👏
Finally someone saying what India has been doing right! Western media always criticizes our Russian ties, but they forget how Russia has been a reliable partner for decades. SU-57 cooperation could be game changing for our air force. Proud of our leadership.
As someone who's lived abroad, I can say India's foreign policy really has evolved smartly. We're not choosing sides in this new Cold War - we're making friends everywhere. Modi's government deserves credit for boosting our global standing. But I hope this doesn't mean ignoring human rights concerns at home.
Putin praising India's growth is no surprise - our economy is booming under Modi ji! All these countries want to partner with us because they see the potential. Independent foreign policy means we get the best deals from everyone. Win-win for India! 🚀🔥
It's smart diplomacy - India maintaining strategic autonomy while deepening ties with both Russia and the West. The SU-57 deal would modernize our air force significantly. But we should also question: why are we still so dependent on foreign arms? Make in India in defence needs more push.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.