Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin began bilateral talks in New Delhi on September 11, ahead of the BRICS Summit 2026. The meeting comes just one day before the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit officially begins in the capital. The two leaders are expected to discuss trade, defence, energy, civil nuclear cooperation and other areas of the India-Russia strategic partnership. Their meeting also comes amid major global tensions, including the conflicts in West Asia and the continuing Ukraine war. The Modi-Putin talks are among the key bilateral engagements surrounding India’s BRICS chairship this year.What Will Modi Putin Discuss?The Modi-Putin bilateral meeting is focused on strengthening the long-standing India-Russia partnership as both leaders prepare for the BRICS Summit. Reuters reported that discussions include trade, energy and defence, along with areas such as civil nuclear energy, fertilizers, critical minerals, manufacturing, railways and steel.Trade and investment between India and Russia.Defence and military cooperation.Energy supplies and civil nuclear cooperation.Critical minerals and industrial manufacturing.Regional and global developments affecting both countries.India Russia Ties Ahead SummitThe Modi-Putin meeting follows their talks in Bishkek on August 31, where they reviewed cooperation in political, economic, defence, energy, space and other sectors. They also discussed conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region and agreed to remain engaged on strengthening the India-Russia strategic partnership.Putin’s current visit also follows his December 2025 state visit to India for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. At that meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to their Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership and discussed expanding cooperation across several sectors.Also Read: BRICS Summit 2026: Delhi Traffic Diversions Announced From 2 PM To 8:30 PMBRICS Summit Begins SaturdayThe bilateral meeting takes place as New Delhi prepares to host the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit on September 12–13 at the end of India’s 2026 BRICS chairship. India is chairing BRICS for the fourth time, with the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”The expanded BRICS grouping currently has 11 members: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the UAE. The summit is expected to address economic cooperation, technology, development, global governance and major international issues.Key HighlightsPM Modi and President Putin held bilateral talks in New Delhi on September 11.Discussions include trade, defence, energy and strategic cooperation.Civil nuclear energy and critical minerals are also important areas of cooperation.The 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit will be held on September 12–13.India is hosting BRICS 2026 under the theme focused on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability.A Modi-Xi Jinping meeting is also being arranged during Xi’s India visit for the BRICS Summit.Modi Putin Talks Set BRICS ToneThe Modi-Putin bilateral meeting comes at an important moment for India’s BRICS chairship and its wider foreign policy. Their discussions are expected to strengthen cooperation in key economic and strategic areas while also covering major regional developments. The meeting sets the stage for the BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi, where India will seek greater cooperation among the expanded group.Disclaimer: This article is provided for knowledge purposes and to share news information.
