Dismissing Indian fears over growing Russia-Pakistan relations, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday told an Indian journalist that while his country had a "deep cooperation" with India, that could not preclude ties with other countries.

Speaking to the Press Trust of India, Putin reportedly assured the Indian state-run news agency that Russia's relations with Pakistan will have "no impact on trade between India and Russia."

The Russian president also spoke about the "deep cooperation" his country enjoys with India in areas such as missile technology, asserting that the relationship between the two countries "cannot be diluted."

"There is no other country in the world that we have such deep cooperation [with,]" Putin said.

He added, however, that this "special relationship" between the two countries should not be a restriction on forming contracts with other "partnering countries."

"This is ridiculous," Putin was reported to have said.

When questioned by the Indian journalist about Kashmir, Putin refused to take sides, saying it was not for him to decide whether Pakistan was fuelling terrorism in India-held Kashmir — an allegation India has repeatedly made.

While promising Russian support to India, the Russian president was also reported to have said: "I believe Pakistan is taking immense steps to stabilise the situation in the country."

Opinion

Editorial

Furtive measures
Updated 07 Sep, 2024

Furtive measures

The entire electoral exercise has become riddled with controversy, yet ECP seems unwilling to address the lingering questions about the polls.
PCB hot seat
Updated 07 Sep, 2024

PCB hot seat

MOHSIN Naqvi is facing criticism from all quarters. Pakistan’s cricket board chief, who is also the country’s...
Rapes most foul
07 Sep, 2024

Rapes most foul

UNTIL the full force of the law is applied on perpetrators, insecurity will stalk Pakistan’s girl children and...
Positive overtures
Updated 06 Sep, 2024

Positive overtures

It is hoped politicians refusing to frame Balochistan’s problems in black and white is taken as a positive overture by the province's people.
Capital poll delay
06 Sep, 2024

Capital poll delay

THE ECP has cancelled the local government elections in Islamabad for the third time subsequent to a recent ...
Perks galore
06 Sep, 2024

Perks galore

A parasitic bureaucracy still upholds colonial customs whereby a struggling citizenry and flood victims are subservient to status.