No ‘tight’ ties with Pak: Putin

Bond with India will not soften: Putin

THE TWO countries also decided to hold the first tri- Services exercises, named ‘Indra-2017’, this year and start joint manufacturing of frigates

RUSSIA said it was preparing to supply S400 Triumf anti-aircraft missile systems and both governments were “simply discussing” the terms.

Petersburg, Jun 1: President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that Russia does not have any “tight” military relationship with Pakistan, and asserted that its close friendship with India cannot be diluted.

Putin said that there is no other country in the world with which Russia has such “deep cooperation” in delicate areas including missile technology, and it benefits from cooperation with India. But at the same time, Putin sidestepped a question on Kashmir, and said “it is up to you” to assess whether Pakistan is fuelling terrorism in the Indian state.

“But no matter where the threat comes, it is unacceptable and we will always support India in its fight against terrorism,” he added.

Putin further said that just because Russia has a “special relationship” with India, it does not mean India should be restricted in having contacts with other “partnering countries. This is ridiculous.”

“We do not have any tight (military) relations with Pakistan. The US, Do you have (close relations)?,” he said. “And for sure our relations with Pakistan have no impact on trade between India and Russia.”