Putin Reaffirms Strong India-Russia Defence Ties, Highlights BrahMos Missile Collaboration

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reaffirmed the enduring strategic partnership between India and Russia, emphasizing decades of military and technical cooperation built on mutual trust and shared interests.

Speaking about bilateral ties, Putin noted that a significant portion of India's armed forces continues to operate Russian-origin military equipment, reflecting a longstanding defense relationship that dates back to the Soviet era.

"Our relations with the Indian friends are specific, thanks to our mutual trust. We concentrate not just on trade, buying and selling, but also on joint research and development," Putin said.

Highlighting one of the most successful examples of bilateral defense collaboration, Putin pointed to the development of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, a flagship joint venture between Indian and Russian experts. The missile system has become a symbol of strategic technological cooperation and has significantly enhanced India's defense capabilities.

The Russian President also underscored India's continued acquisition of Russian aircraft and defense systems, stressing that cooperation extends beyond traditional arms sales to include advanced research, technology transfer, and co-development projects.

India and Russia have maintained a robust defense partnership for decades, with collaboration spanning fighter aircraft, missile systems, naval platforms, and military modernization programs. The BrahMos project, in particular, is widely regarded as one of the most successful defense joint ventures globally.

Putin's remarks come at a time when India continues to diversify its defense procurement while preserving its long-standing strategic ties with Russia, a key partner in critical defense technologies and military cooperation.