India are currently 165th in the world rankings, and are managed by former China coach Bobby Houghton.

Englishman Houghton failed to guide India to the finals of this year's Asian Cup after finishing bottom of their qualification group.

And in a country renowned for its love of cricket, Blatter is all too aware of the difficulties FIFA face in raising the profile of football among its people.

"We are here not to fight against an established sport," said Blatter, who is set to meet with prime minister Manmohan Singh during his visit.

"I admire the game called cricket and I don't to want to change the most established sport in your country now.

"But I always campaign for football because, in this game, there is no difference between caste, culture and creed or rich and poor.

"It is the fascination of this game that attracts people all over the world."

The 71-year-old, who was elected as president in June 1998 after succeeding Brazilian Joao Havelange, also urged the country's football administrators to work hard to improve standards in the country, which has a population of over one billion.

"The Indian dream of reaching top international levels can be realised through the work done by All India Football Federation (AIFF) with support from the government and corporate houses," he added.

"But it is only if you help yourself that heaven will help you. As Confucius said: 'If your brother asks for a fish, don't give him the same, instead teach him how to catch it'.

"Good coaches will come to India if a good technical and administrative infrastructure is in place."