PM Modi Begins Crucial Talks With Putin Ahead Of BRICS Summit: Trade, Defence, Economic Ties In Focus

Prime Minister Narendra Modi began key bilateral talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.

Putin arrived at the Bharat Mandapam on Friday to hold discussions with PM Modi, with trade, defence and economic cooperation expected to be on the agenda of their discussions.

The two leaders exchanged warm greetings at Bharat Mandapam, after which PM Modi presented a Russian translation of Thirukkural, a collection of ancient Tamil couplets.

#WATCH | Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin hold a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of BRICS Summit 2026.

(Video Source: DD News) pic.twitter.com/KhlCIatMI2

— ANI (@ANI) September 11, 2026

The Russian President arrived at Palam

Air Force Station in Delhi in the early hours of Friday, where he was greeted by India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh. This is his second visit to India since the war in Ukraine began in 2022.

Putin-Modi Talks: What’s On Agenda?

The two leaders are expected to discuss setting up an ambitious trade target of $100 billion by 2030, while expanding industrial cooperation with Russia in railways and tunnelling, according to sources. India is expected to push for greater access to the Russian market.

The two sides are also likely to strengthen civil nuclear cooperation, including fuel cycle and life cycle support. The movement of skilled Indian workers to Russia, and increased cooperation in critical minerals are also expected to be in focus.

The meeting comes as India-Russia trade reached an all-time high of $65.70 billion in 2023-24, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. Russia has consequently become a crucial source of energy for India, while India has become one of Russia’s most important large markets at the time of Western sanctions due to the Ukraine conflict.

The bilateral talks will also put the spotlight on the defence cooperation between India and Russia, with the S-400 air defence system, Russia’s fifth-generation Su-57 fighter jet and an upgrade of the BrahMos missile emerging as key issues. The Kremlin had earlier expressed willingness to expand cooperation around the Su-57.