Ahead of Jaishankar's trip, Putin praises India

Russian President Vladimir Putin has once again praised Indians, describing them as "talented" and "driven", and noted that India had much potential and would achieve outstanding results in terms of development.

Putin was speaking on the occasion of Russia's Unity Day on Friday. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is scheduled to visit Moscow for two days from Monday.

"Let's look at India: a talented, very driven people with such a drive for internal development. It (India) will certainly achieve outstanding results. India will achieve outstanding results in terms of its development. There are no doubts. And almost one-and-a-half billion people. Now that's potential," Putin said.


The Russian president also spoke about colonialism in Africa and how Russia had a 'unique civilisation and culture.'

This is the second time in as many weeks that the Russian President has lauded India.

Last week, Putin had heaped praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing him as a true patriot and one who conducts an independent foreign policy.

India and Russia have a special relationship which had developed over decades and that the two nations have no outstanding issues, Putin had said at the 19th Annual Meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club in Moscow.

India has maintained neutrality on the Ukraine conflict and did not abide by Western sanctions. It is engaged in a robust trade of energy and other natural resources in the national interest, amid rising global prices of essential commodities.