SOCHI, November 8. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin described India as a great country, adding that Moscow and New Delhi were boosting their cooperation in all areas.

"We are developing our ties with India in all directions. India is a great country. <…> It is a leader in terms of economic growth among large economies, with its GDP posting an annual growth of 7.4%," Putin told the plenary session of the Valdai Discussion Club.

"The volume of our cooperation is multiplying year after year," he added.

Putin recalled the Soviet Union’s role in India’s declaration of independence, which created "relations that are unique in terms of quality and degree of trust" between the two nations.

"This is a base for us to develop bilateral relations in all directions," the Russian leader said.

Bilateral trade turnover is almost $60 billion, Putin added.