India, Sept. 4 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday said no nation should try to "dominate" global politics or security, even as he acknowledged the rise of "economic giants" such as India and China.

"From an international law point of view, everyone must have equal rights, and must be in a similar position," Putin declared, addressing the press at Beijing's Diaoyutai State Guesthouse.

He said that large countries like India and China have unique political systems and domestic laws, warning that attempts to "punish" them place their leaders in a difficult bind.

"If one of them shows weakness, his political career will be over," Putin said.

Speaking of history, he reminded the West of its colonial past.

Putin's remarks com...