Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold bilateral talks in New Delhi on Friday, September 11, ahead of the BRICS Summit. The meeting will focus on India-Russia relations, including trade, economic cooperation, defence, energy and other strategic areas. Putin’s visit comes as India prepares to host the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12–13 under its 2026 chairship. The Kremlin has said the two leaders maintain close contact and can discuss sensitive bilateral and international issues openly. The talks are expected to give fresh momentum to the India-Russia strategic partnership before the wider BRICS discussions begin.What Will Modi Putin Discuss?The upcoming meeting will provide an opportunity for Modi and Putin to review the progress of their bilateral partnership and discuss new areas of cooperation. Recent official discussions have covered trade, investment, defence, energy, space, mobility and people-to-people ties. Regional developments, including the Ukraine conflict and their impact on trade and maritime security, are also important parts of the broader India-Russia dialogue.Modi and Putin are scheduled to meet on September 11 in New Delhi.Trade and economic cooperation are expected to be important topics.Defence and energy cooperation remain key areas of bilateral engagement.Regional and global developments are likely to feature in discussions.Putin will then participate in the BRICS Summit on September 12–13.India Russia Ties Remain StrongThe upcoming talks follow a meeting between Modi and Putin in Bishkek on August 31 during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit. It was their first meeting of 2026. The two leaders reviewed cooperation across political, economic, defence, energy, space and other areas, while also discussing international developments.India and Russia have also continued working to strengthen economic ties despite changes in the global geopolitical environment. Russia said recently that a large majority of its trade with BRICS partners is being settled through national currencies, while India and Russia have developed payment mechanisms to support bilateral trade.Putin Visit Gains Strategic ImportancePutin’s India visit is significant because it combines a bilateral engagement with Russia’s participation in India’s BRICS presidency. The Kremlin has described BRICS as a flexible grouping focused on policy and security, economics and finance, and cultural and humanitarian cooperation.For India, the bilateral meeting provides a separate platform to discuss issues that require focused attention beyond the broader BRICS agenda. Recent official talks have also highlighted India’s support for dialogue and diplomacy in resolving conflicts, including the Ukraine war.Key HighlightsPM Modi and Vladimir Putin will meet in New Delhi on September 11.The meeting will take place one day before the BRICS leaders’ summit.Trade, investment, defence and energy are major areas of India-Russia cooperation.Putin is scheduled to attend the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12–13.India is hosting BRICS under its 2026 chairship.Both countries have continued discussions despite wider geopolitical uncertainty.ConclusionPM Modi and Vladimir Putin’s planned bilateral talks come at an important moment for India-Russia relations and India’s BRICS presidency. The leaders are expected to review existing cooperation while discussing economic, defence, energy and international issues. Putin’s participation in the New Delhi summit will also provide an opportunity for wider BRICS engagement. The bilateral meeting is therefore an important part of India’s diplomatic preparations ahead of the September 12–13 summit. The outcome will be closely watched for indications of deeper cooperation between the two countries. Disclaimer: This article is provided for knowledge and news-information purposes only and is based on publicly available official statements and reliable news reports.
