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Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for following an independent foreign policy, keeping in mind its own national interest.

“India pursues an independent foreign policy, which is not easy in the modern world. But India, with a population of one and a half billion, has the right to this,” Russian news website Sputnik quoted Putin as saying during a meeting with students in Kaliningrad, Russia, on Thursday.

Putin also warned “outside forces” (the West) not to “play games” for political clout in India. “Playing games with India related to influence on its politics from outside has no future,” the Russian leader said.

Putin also said that Russia can rely on India as a trusted partner. “We have very good relationships with India, and our faith in India is demonstrated by the fact that Moscow is New Delhi’s greatest foreign investor… and it is just the beginning,” Russia Today quoted Putin as saying.

Putin also praised the ‘Make in India’ initiative and said that it is making massive waves under PM Modi.

The Russian President pointed out that India has a great culture, calling it interesting, diverse, and colourful.

“Russia is probably one of the few countries where Indian films are regularly broadcast on national television channels. I don’t know of any other country like that. There are a lot of things that connect us,” Putin said.

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