"India has been our natural partner and ally for decades. I think everyone knows well what role the Soviet Union and Russia played in India gaining its independence, how we supported the Indian people for decades. And during this time, we have developed relations with the Indian people that are unique in their quality and level of trust," Putin said at a meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club.
Russia is ready to increase the supplies of oil and LNG to India, as well as exports of fertilisers, given the needs of Indian agriculture, the president said.
The vision for the development of relations between Russia and India is based on current realities, Putin said, adding that trade has already reached $60 billion.
Joint developments with Russia in the interests of India's security are continuing, Vladimir Putin highlighted.
He recalled that Russia's relations with India have traditionally been developing in the field of security and military technology, and the Indian military has a lot of Russian equipment in service.
"We are not just selling our weapons to India, we are developing together, the BrahMos system [medium-range ramjet supersonic cruise missile] is well known, we have made it practically used in three areas, both in the air, at sea, and on land. And these developments are continuing in the interests of ensuring India's security." Putin emphasised. "This is well known to everyone, it does not cause anyone absolutely any questions or any irritation, but it indicates a high level of our trust and cooperation. We will do so in the near historical perspective, hopefully in the future."