India-China border dispute: Putin says Russia will not interfere in bilateral relations

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow will not step into India-China ties. Putin said both countries aimed to settle the border dispute peacefully. Putin spoke during a meeting with leaders of major global news agencies. The remarks came as India and China worked to ease tensions after the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes.

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Putin said Russia engaged with both New Delhi and Beijing as partners. Putin stressed that outside involvement could upset a sensitive relationship. "This is a delicate, multi-faceted relationship between India and China, and interfering into them is not a good idea.\" Putin added Russia maintained dialogue with both sides.

India China border dispute and Putin’s non-interference stance

Putin expressed confidence in the two leaders’ intent to find solutions. \"President Xi and Prime Minister Modi are both trying to resolve all the issues of mutual interest, including the the border issue,\" Putin said. Putin made the point while responding to a question from s CEO and Editor-in-Chief Vijay Joshi.

Putin also described how Russia managed ties with both Asian powers. Putin said Russia’s long ties with India and China developed over decades. Putin added these partnerships were separate and not linked. Putin said closer work with India did not harm China. Putin said close relations with China did not weaken India ties.

India China border dispute and Russia-India-China format background

Putin outlined the origins of the Russia-India-China trilateral engagement. \"At one point, I suggested that leaders of India, China meet in Russia and thats how Russia-India-China was established. We had things to talk about, to agree upon,\" Putin said. Putin presented the grouping as a result of shared discussions.

India and China introduced several steps over the last year to repair ties. Relations had worsened after the Galwan Valley violence in 2020. The incident was followed by a military stand-off that ran for more than four years. The measures aimed to restore communication and reduce friction along the boundary.

India China border dispute context and Putin on India-Pakistan, China-Pakistan ties

Putin also spoke about India-Pakistan relations and border issues. \"We are well aware of the intricacies of the issues concerning the border between India and Pakistan,\" Putin said. Asked about China’s influence, Putin said, \"I dont think so,\" and noted Pakistan had varied foreign ties.

Putin said Pakistan still had to consider work with Beijing closely. \"Pakistan is a large country which has multi-faceted ties with different countries Of course, for Pakistan, it is very important to take into account the cooperation with China,\" Putin said. The comments came during discussion of China-Pakistan friendship and regional alignments.

India China border dispute sidelines and Russia-India defence cooperation

Putin referred to Russia’s defence cooperation with India, including joint projects. Putin cited co-development and co-production of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles. Putin also said Russia offered to work with India on making the fifth-generation Su-57 fighter jet. India is seeking to procure a batch of fifth-generation fighters.

Putin said Moscow offered cooperation on advanced military technology. \"We proposed our Indian friends to work together on technology, the fifth generation technology....we are ready to work with India in this field to supply fighter aircraft,\" Putin said. Putin added Russia was ready to provide critical technologies for major platforms and weapons.

With inputs from PTI