Guwahati, Dec 3: About 68 per cent people in India are protein deficient, while 71 per cent have poor muscle health, a recent survey has pointed out.

Citing reports, experts on Monday said 84 per cent of Indian vegetarian and 65 per cent of non-vegetarian diets are protein deficient.

"According to our latest survey with IPSOS, a leading global market and opinion research firm, around 68 per cent of people have lower protein content in their body than adequate and 71 per cent of the people have poor muscle health," InBody Clinical Executive Dr Ankita Ghag said in a statement.

The findings stated a correlation between poor muscle health and protein deficiency in India which needs to be addressed, she added.

"We believe there is a need to build awareness about the importance of muscle health amongst Indians and find appropriate solutions," Ghag said.

Referring to a Indian Market Research Bureau (IMRB) study in 2017, nutritionist Kavita Devgan said 84 per cent of Indian vegetarian and 65 per cent of non-vegetarian diets are protein deficient.

"This (the study) concluded people are not getting enough protein from their daily diets and to maintain good muscle health, the body needs between 10 and 14 additional grams of protein per day," she said.

"So in this situation, protein supplements, which come with hydrolyzed proteins, could be a very helpful resource to fulfill daily protein intakes," she added.

Expressing similar views, head of Danone, a French multinational food-products corporation, nutrition science and medical affairs, Nandan Joshi said protein is the most misunderstood nutrient with a lot of fallacies around it like it is only for body builders or the belief that our daily diets have sufficient protein.

"To compound the situation, not many people are aware about their daily protein requirements. Similarly, muscle health is often ignored since it is misunderstood as an area which is of relevance only to a sportsperson or a gym-goer. Not many Indians know about its overall impact on health and wellness," he added.

Good muscle health is not only a key for an active lifestyle, but also for carrying out daily physical activities to maintain a healthy life, Joshi said.

As per the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) given by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for Indians, 0.8 to 1 gm protein per kg body weight per day is the requirement of a normal, sedentary person without any disease.

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New Delhi (PTI): The India-Russia collaboration is not directed against any country and it is solely aimed at safeguarding the national interests of the two sides, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said against the backdrop of Washington's aggressive approach towards New Delhi and Moscow.

In the context of India's energy ties with Russia, Putin said certain "actors" dislike New Delhi's growing role in international markets in view of its close relations with Moscow and these elements are aiming to constrain India's influence for political reasons by imposing "artificial obstacles".

In an interview to India Today news channel that was released on Thursday evening, the Russian president, referring to Western sanctions against Moscow, said his country's energy cooperation with New Delhi largely "remains unaffected".

Putin landed in New Delhi this evening on a two-day visit to hold summit talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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His trip comes at a time India-US relations are going through possibly the worst phase in the last two decades after Washington imposed a whopping 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods, including 25 per cent levies for New Delhi's procurement of Russian crude oil.

"Neither me nor Prime Minister Modi, despite certain external pressure we face, have never approached our collaboration to work against someone," the Russian president said in response to a question on Washington's aggressive approach.

"President Trump has his own agenda, his own goals, whereas we focus on ours -- not against anyone, but rather aimed at safeguarding our respective interests, India's and Russia's interests," he said.

Rejecting Washington's objection to India procuring crude oil from Russia, Putin said if the US has the right to buy Russian fuel, why "shouldn't India have the same privilege".

"As for India's purchase of energy resources from Russia, I would like to note and have already mentioned this once, the US itself still buys nuclear fuel from us for its own nuclear power plants," Putin said.

The Russian president also responded to a question on India lowering procurement of crude oil from Russia in view of Western sanctions on Moscow.

ALSO READ: Russian president Putin arrives in Delhi on 2-day visit

"Well, there is a certain decline in overall trade turnover during the first nine months of this year. This is just a minor adjustment. Overall, our trade turnover stands almost at the same level as before," he said.

"I can't give you exact monthly figures right now, but trade in petroleum products and crude oil, as well as the production of petroleum products for consumers of oil, Russian oil, is running smoothly in India," he said.

Putin also said that India cannot be treated the way it was several decades back.

"Prime Minister Modi is not someone who succumbs to pressure easily. The Indian people can certainly take pride in their leader. This is absolutely obvious," he said.

"His stance is unwavering and straightforward, without being confrontational. Our goal is not to provoke conflict; rather, we aim to protect our lawful rights. India does the same," he said.

On the Ukraine conflict, Putin said he believed the US is actively seeking a solution to this problem. "I am absolutely certain, with no doubt at all, he (Trump) sincerely aims for a peaceful resolution."

Putin said Trump genuinely wants to end the hostilities and prevent further loss of lives. "But there could also be political interests tied to ending the confrontation between Russia and Ukraine, or economic motives too."

On bilateral trade, Putin said over 90 per cent of "our transactions are already conducted in national currencies".

"While some complications arise due to the presence of numerous intermediaries, there are also solutions," he said.

The Russian president also complimented PM Modi's leadership.

"Our collaborative endeavours with Prime Minister Modi carry significant weight because they transcend our mutual ties," he said.

"Given its direct relevance to both nations, ensuring stability in key areas of engagement is crucial, as it helps secure the fulfilment of our objectives. Prime Minister Modi sets very challenging tasks for the country --and for himself in the first place, then for the administration, and eventually for the nation," he said.

The Russian president did not give a direct reply to a question on if India was looking at procuring additional batches of S-400 missile systems.

"India stands out as one of our reliable and privileged partners in this area. We are not merely selling something to India and India isn't merely buying something from us in the sphere of defence and security.

"It is a different level, a different quality of relations we have with India, and we value this. We see how India values this relationship too," he said.

Putin said Russia is not simply selling defence technology to India but it is sharing it with the country.

"It is a very rare thing to see in the sphere of military-technical cooperation. It speaks to the level of trust between the two countries and the level of trust between the two peoples.

"We have a broad portfolio indeed, including naval construction, rocket and missile engineering, and aircraft engineering," he added.