Indian citizens are talented and purposeful, says Russian President

Russian President Vladimir Putin called Indians "very talented" and "purposeful" while complimenting India's growth for the second time in a week. He said India's citizens will help the country achieve outstanding results in development.

He was speaking at the 10th anniversary of the Russian Historical Society on National Unity Day on Friday. "Let's take a look at India. Very talented people, purposeful, with such a drive for internal development, will, of course, achieve outstanding results. India will achieve outstanding results in its development. There are no doubts. Almost one-and-a-half billion people. Now that's potential," said Putin.

Last week, he spoke of Russia's special relationship with India and said the foundation of it goes back for decades. "We have special ties with India that are built on the foundation of really close allied relations for decades. We never had any outstanding issues with India, we have always supported each other and I'm positive that's how it will remain in the future as well."

The Russian President also lauded PM Narendra Modi for India's "independent foreign policy."

"PM Modi is one of those individuals in the world who is able to pursue an independent foreign policy in the interest of his country and people without any attempts to stop him. India attracts general respect from everyone in the world. A lot has been done in recent years under PM Modi's leadership. He is a true patriot of his country. And this concept of his, 'Make in India', is a significant effort. It really has progressed in its development. A great future lies ahead of it," he added.

Moscow has been a crucial part of Delhi's foreign policy. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is scheduled to visit Moscow on November 7 and 8.