Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in India to attend the BRICS summit and hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His aircraft landed in New Delhi early on Friday, marking an important diplomatic visit amid continuing geopolitical tensions. During his stay, the two leaders are expected to review several areas of bilateral cooperation, including defence, trade and energy. Their discussions are also expected to cover broader international developments affecting both countries. The visit follows a recent meeting between Modi and Putin at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek. During that meeting, the leaders reviewed cooperation in several sectors and exchanged views on major regional conflicts. Putin is also scheduled to participate in BRICS-related engagements during his India visit.

Putin Arrives in New Delhi for BRICS Summit

Russian President Vladimir Putin reached New Delhi early Friday to participate in the BRICS Summit 2026, bringing renewed attention to the strategic relationship between India and Russia. Putin's arrival comes at a time when the international geopolitical environment remains complicated by the continuing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Western sanctions and changing global trade relationships. His visit is expected to provide an opportunity for India and Russia to review existing cooperation and discuss areas where the two countries could expand their partnership. The Russian president is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his stay. The meeting is expected to focus on bilateral ties as well as wider regional and international developments.

Defence, Trade and Energy Expected to Dominate Modi-Putin Talks

Defence, trade and energy are expected to remain among the major subjects during the discussions between Modi and Putin. The two countries have maintained extensive defence cooperation for decades, while energy remains another important component of their economic relationship. The leaders are also expected to examine ways to increase bilateral trade and strengthen economic cooperation despite the pressure created by international sanctions and geopolitical tensions. The India Russia relations have remained strategically important for both countries, with cooperation extending beyond defence into areas such as energy, space, technology and mobility. The upcoming meeting could therefore provide an opportunity to assess existing projects and discuss possible new areas of collaboration.

Modi and Putin Recently Met at SCO Summit

The latest meeting in Delhi comes only days after Modi and Putin met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek on August 31. During that meeting, the two leaders reviewed cooperation across multiple areas, including politics, trade, defence, energy, space and mobility. They also exchanged views on conflicts and security developments in West Asia and the Black Sea region. The latest face-to-face meeting between the leaders highlights the continued frequency of high-level communication between New Delhi and Moscow. The discussions in Delhi are expected to build on the understanding reached during their previous interaction while addressing newer economic and strategic priorities.

India and Russia Explore New Defence Possibilities

Defence cooperation is likely to receive particular attention during Putin's India visit. Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov has indicated that the two countries are exploring options related to advanced Russian military equipment, including the possible sale of Sukhoi Su-57 stealth fighter aircraft to India. The possibility of India acquiring the aircraft could become an important element of future defence cooperation between the two countries. India has historically relied heavily on Russian-origin military equipment, although New Delhi has increasingly focused on diversifying its defence procurement and expanding domestic manufacturing. Any future decision involving advanced fighter aircraft would therefore be closely watched in the international defence sector.

Rare Earths Cooperation Also on the Agenda

Apart from defence, India and Russia are also looking at opportunities to expand cooperation in the rare earths sector. Rare earth elements are increasingly important for modern industries because they are used in electronics, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy technologies and several high-tech applications. Greater cooperation in this field could potentially support efforts by both countries to strengthen supply chains and reduce vulnerabilities arising from global geopolitical tensions.The discussion is particularly relevant as countries around the world are seeking more secure access to strategically important minerals and industrial materials.

Economic Ties Face Geopolitical Pressure

The Putin India visit is taking place against the backdrop of continuing Western sanctions on Russia following the Ukraine war. Despite those pressures, India and Russia have continued to maintain economic engagement and are looking for ways to expand bilateral cooperation. Both sides have an interest in keeping trade and strategic links active while navigating restrictions affecting international commerce. Energy cooperation has also remained an important part of the relationship, making it another area likely to feature in the discussions between the two leaders. The talks could therefore have significance not only for bilateral relations but also for wider economic and strategic calculations.

BRICS Summit 2026 Gives India and Russia Wider Platform

Putin's participation in the BRICS Summit 2026 will also place the India-Russia relationship within a broader multilateral framework. BRICS has expanded considerably in recent years, bringing together major economies and developing countries from different regions. India is using its BRICS chairmanship to focus on areas including trade, investment, connectivity, technology, health, agriculture, energy and sustainable development. Putin's presence in New Delhi provides Russia with an opportunity to engage with India and other participating countries on issues affecting the Global South. The summit is also expected to draw attention to changing global economic and political alignments.

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What Will Putin Discuss With PM Modi?

Putin and Modi are expected to discuss defence, trade and energy cooperation during their bilateral meeting. Their talks are also likely to cover broader geopolitical developments and ways to strengthen the long-standing strategic partnership between India and Russia. Possible defence discussions include future cooperation involving advanced Russian military equipment, including the Sukhoi Su-57, while economic talks could focus on trade, energy and rare earths cooperation.

Where Has Putin Arrived for the BRICS Summit?

Putin has arrived in New Delhi, India, where he will participate in the BRICS summit and hold bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His arrival comes shortly after the two leaders met at the SCO summit in Bishkek. The New Delhi visit is expected to keep India Russia defence and broader bilateral cooperation at the centre of diplomatic attention.