Beijing, Sept. 4 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has sharply criticised Europe's plans for sanctions targeting Moscow's economic partners, particularly India and China, arguing that such punitive measures reflect an outdated colonial mindset and warning of the political repercussions for leaders in nations with historical sensitivities.

During a media interaction following his four-day visit to China on Wednesday (local time), the Russian President, while responding to a question about Europe's latest sanctions initiative due to the conflict in Ukraine, took a firm stand against the West, asserting that such terms should not be used, as they could possibly destabilise the political standing of leaders in their countries.

"You have c...