Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the Indian government was acting independently in the interests of its citizens and any efforts by the West to create a rift between Moscow and New Delhi are pointless.

"The West is trying to create an enemy out of everyone who does not agree with their monopoly, everyone is at risk - even India, but the Indian leadership is acting independently in the interests on its nation," Putin said at a keynote address in the Russian Black Sea resort of Sochi.

"Attempts to turn India away from Russia are pointless, India is an independent state," he added.

His remarks come amid Indian refiners drawing criticism for snapping up discounted Russian oil after Western nations imposed sanctions on the country. The US and European Union stopped buying oil from Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in February last year.

Heaping praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Putin said that India is growing stronger and stronger under his leadership.

"India has 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," Putin said.