Indian Leadership Is Self-Directed, Led By National Interests: Russian Prez Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin has hailed India saying its leadership is "self-directed", led by the country's national interests, Reuters reported.

Addressing a gathering on Thursday, Putin slammed the West saying that it is trying to cast everyone "who is not ready to blindly follow these Western elites as the enemy".

"At a certain point in time, they tried to do the same with India. Now they are flirting, of course. We all understand this very well. We feel and see the situation in Asia. Everything is clear. I want to say that the Indian leadership is self-directed. It is led by the national interests. I think that those attempts make no sense. But, they continue. They are trying to cast Arabs as the enemy. They are trying to be careful, but overall, that's what it all boils down to," ANI quoted Putin as saying.

The Russian President stated that India, Brazil and South Africa deserve more representation in the UN Security Council and the UN should be gradually reformed.

He called India a "powerful country" which is growing stronger and stronger under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russia-based RT News reported.

"...India, more than 1.5 billion of population, more than 7 per cent of economic growth...that's a powerful country, mighty country. And it's growing stronger and stronger under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi...," the 70-year-old leader said, according to a video shared by RT News.

Earlier on Wednesday, he had called PM Modi a "very wise man", adding that India is making great strides in development under his leadership.

"We maintain strong political relations with Prime Minister Modi; he is a very wise leader. India, under his guidance, has achieved significant progress in its development. This aligns with the mutual interests of both India and Russia, as we collaborate on this agenda," Putin stated.