Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on Friday for the 18th BRICS Summit, beginning a three-day visit that is expected to further strengthen the strategic partnership between India and Russia. Putin is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bilateral discussions today, ahead of the main BRICS leaders’ summit on September 12 and 13.
The Modi-Putin meeting comes at a significant time for bilateral relations, with discussions expected to cover trade, energy, defence, investment and other areas of strategic cooperation. The two countries have maintained close ties despite major geopolitical shifts and increasing international pressure on Russia.
The leaders most recently met in Bishkek on the sidelines of the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. During that meeting, Modi and Putin reviewed progress in India-Russia cooperation across political, economic, defence, energy, space, mobility and people-to-people ties. They also discussed regional and global developments, including the conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region.
The upcoming bilateral meeting is expected to build on those discussions. Defence cooperation is likely to remain an important area, with reports indicating that India’s potential acquisition of Russia’s Su-57 fighter aircraft and related technology could feature in the talks. Civil nuclear cooperation and expanding economic ties are also expected to receive attention.
Trade and energy are another major focus for India and Russia. Both sides have been working to expand bilateral economic engagement, while energy cooperation remains an important component of their long-standing relationship. The two governments have also been seeking greater cooperation in areas such as fertilisers, technology, space and connectivity.
Putin’s visit comes as India hosts the BRICS summit amid significant geopolitical challenges. The 2026 summit is taking place against the backdrop of the continuing West Asia conflict, disruptions to global trade routes and uncertainty in international economic relations. BRICS leaders are expected to discuss economic cooperation, global governance, trade, supply-chain resilience and major international issues.
India’s hosting of the summit also gives New Delhi an opportunity to strengthen its diplomatic engagement with major global powers. Along with Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and other leaders are expected to participate in the summit.
The Modi-Putin meeting will therefore be closely watched for potential announcements on defence, energy, trade and strategic cooperation. It will also underline the importance both countries continue to attach to their “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” amid a rapidly changing global geopolitical environment