Moscow: The 'Make in India' initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to Russian President Vladimir Putin, has had a "truly impressive effect" on the nation's economy. Modi has been referred to as "a big friend" of Russia.
Putin made these remarks at a forum in Moscow organised by Russia's Agency for Strategic Initiatives (ASI).
"Our friends in India and our big friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, launched the 'Make in India' initiative several years ago. It has had a truly impressive effect on the Indian economy. It would do no harm to emulate what is working well, even if it was not us but our friends who created it," the Russian President was quoted.
Putin made a case for India as he discussed the opportunities for Russian companies due to the West's sanctions policies, and the need for Moscow to "offer support tools to help our companies market their products more efficiently".
Putin underlined the need to think about "making our products more convenient and functional, with a modern look and properties," the article said. He credited Indian leadership for developing an effective approach to boost local manufacturing capabilities and entice global investment.
Industrial and product design should become an important resource for the development of domestic business, he said. This was one of the major public appearances of Putin, days after a Russian mercenary group launched a short-lived armed rebellion against him.
Russia's Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev briefed NSA Ajit Doval on the latest developments in the country following the rebellion.