Modi-Putin Bilateral Meeting Set for Friday as India-Russia Ties Take Centre Stage Ahead of BRICS Summit
Energy, defence, trade and possible cooperation in critical minerals are expected to feature prominently in the discussions in New Delhi.
New Delhi | 09-09-2026: New Delhi is preparing for a high-level India-Russia engagement as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin are scheduled to meet on Friday, September 11, on the sidelines of the upcoming BRICS Leaders' Summit.
The meeting is expected to cover a broad range of strategic and economic issues, with energy cooperation and defence relations likely to remain among the principal areas of discussion. Russian officials have also indicated that trade and economic cooperation will feature prominently.
The talks assume particular importance as India continues to balance its longstanding strategic relationship with Russia alongside rapidly evolving geopolitical and economic conditions.
Defence cooperation is expected to receive significant attention, with discussions reportedly including the potential sale of Russia's Su-57 fighter aircraft to India. India has not yet officially confirmed details of any prospective agreement.
Energy is another major component of the relationship. Both countries have maintained extensive cooperation in the energy sector, while current global tensions and changes in energy markets have increased the strategic importance of reliable supplies and diversified partnerships.
India and Russia are also exploring opportunities for cooperation involving rare-earth and critical minerals, areas considered increasingly important for advanced manufacturing, electronics, renewable energy and defence technologies.
Putin's visit comes ahead of the 18th BRICS Leaders' Summit, which India is hosting in New Delhi on September 12 and 13. The summit is expected to bring together leaders from the expanded BRICS grouping at a time of significant changes in global trade, security and diplomatic relations.
The Modi-Putin meeting will therefore be closely watched not only for bilateral agreements but also for its wider implications for India's strategic autonomy and its role within the evolving global order.
Category: India
Tags: India, Narendra Modi, Vladimir Putin, Russia, BRICS, Defence, Energy, Trade, Foreign Policy, New Delhi
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