Russia, June 5 : Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday praised India as a “great country” and defended New Delhi’s independent foreign policy, while taking a dig at the attempts by the United States to pressure India over its cooperation with Russia, saying such moves are “detrimental” to bilateral and international relations. In an address to media at the St Petersburg Economic Forum, Putin said, “We are glad that India is developing its relations with all the countries. It’s a great country”Hailing the largest democracy and a thriving economy, Putin said, “It’s only natural it (India) develops its economy in accordance with its interest with those countries that it deems necessary”.