Post by : Rohit Dhiman

NEW DELHI: Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in New Delhi to attend the BRICS Summit 2026, with his visit expected to include high-level discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on defence, energy, technology, trade and other areas of strategic cooperation between India and Russia. Putin’s arrival comes as India hosts the annual BRICS gathering in its capacity as the current chair of the grouping. His visit is being closely watched because the India-Russia relationship continues to cover several important areas, including defence cooperation, energy security, nuclear power and emerging technologies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Putin are scheduled to hold bilateral talks on Friday. 

Putin and Modi to Discuss Strategic Cooperation

The upcoming PM Modi Putin meeting is expected to focus on several issues of importance to both countries. Defence cooperation is likely to remain one of the key subjects. Discussions could include proposed upgrades to the BrahMos missile system, continued delivery of S-400 air defence systems and possible Russian Su-57 fighter jet supplies. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov had earlier said that Moscow and New Delhi were examining possible upgrades to BrahMos. He also confirmed that Russia remained committed to completing its pending S-400 deliveries. The two countries are also expected to discuss India’s plans for additional civil nuclear reactors, adding another major area to the long-standing strategic relationship.

Putin and Modi Recently Met at SCO Summit

The latest meeting between the two leaders comes shortly after their previous interaction on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek last week. During that meeting, Modi referred to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and called for a transition from what he described as an “endless war” towards an end to the conflict. Modi stressed that ending the war as soon as possible was the wish of humanity, highlighting India’s position of encouraging dialogue and peaceful resolution while maintaining its relationship with Moscow. The upcoming bilateral meeting could therefore provide another opportunity for the two leaders to exchange views on international developments alongside their focus on bilateral cooperation.

Defence Cooperation Remains Important

Defence is expected to feature prominently during the India Russia relations discussions. India has historically maintained extensive defence ties with Russia, and both sides continue to work on military equipment, technology and related projects. The BrahMos programme remains one of the most prominent examples of bilateral defence cooperation. The two countries are now exploring potential upgrades that could further develop the missile system. The S-400 programme is also expected to feature in discussions, with Moscow reiterating its commitment to completing outstanding deliveries to India. Russia has additionally expressed interest in discussions concerning the proposed supply of Su-57 fighter aircraft.

Civil Nuclear Cooperation Also on Agenda

Energy cooperation is another major area expected to receive attention during the talks. India and Russia are set to discuss New Delhi’s plans to establish additional civil nuclear reactors. The issue is significant for India as it continues to explore long-term energy security and the expansion of nuclear power. The proposed discussions could strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the civil nuclear sector and potentially open the way for further engagement on technology and infrastructure.

Putin to Attend Two-Day BRICS Summit

Following his bilateral engagement with Modi, Putin will participate in the two-day BRICS Summit 2026 being hosted by India. The Russian president is also scheduled to address the plenary session of the annual BRICS Business Forum. He will later visit the Innoprom exhibition along with Prime Minister Modi, providing an opportunity to highlight industrial and technological cooperation. Putin is also expected to meet several other international leaders on the sidelines of the summit. His scheduled bilateral engagements include meetings with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.

No Separate Full-Format Putin-Xi Meeting Scheduled

Chinese President Xi Jinping is also expected to visit India, marking his return to the country after seven years. However, no separate full-format meeting between Putin and Xi has been scheduled, according to the information provided ahead of the summit. Xi will instead hold talks with Prime Minister Modi on Saturday evening. Their discussions are expected to cover trade and investment as well as the broader situation along the Line of Actual Control. The presence of both Russia and China at the summit adds further significance to India’s role as BRICS chair.

Other Leaders to Attend BRICS Summit

Several prominent international leaders are expected to attend the summit hosted by India. Among them are Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. The summit will also bring together senior representatives from major international institutions. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, World Trade Organization Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, New Development Bank President Dilma Rousseff and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank chief Zou Jiayi are expected to attend.

India Sets Agenda for BRICS Chairship

India’s BRICS chairship is being conducted under the theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” New Delhi intends to place particular emphasis on cooperation in trade, investment, connectivity and advanced technology. Other areas on the agenda include health, agriculture, food security, energy, disaster risk reduction and supply chains. India has also indicated that it wants BRICS discussions to focus on the developmental priorities of the Global South. According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, more than 350 meetings and high-level engagements have already been organised across more than 25 cities during the country’s chairship.

BRICS Has Expanded Since Its Formation

BRICS was initially formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The grouping expanded significantly in recent years. Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia joined in 2024, while Indonesia became a member last year. The expansion has increased the grouping’s geographic and economic reach and has strengthened its role as a platform for discussions involving emerging economies and the Global South. The Delhi summit is therefore expected to focus not only on bilateral relationships but also on wider cooperation among BRICS members.

Focus on Trade, Technology and Global South

A major objective of India’s BRICS chairship is to increase cooperation in areas that directly affect economic development. Trade and investment, digital and high technology, connectivity and supply-chain resilience are expected to receive significant attention. Energy security, food security, healthcare and disaster management will also form part of the broader agenda. For India, the summit provides an opportunity to highlight its priorities while bringing together major economies and international organisations.

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Summit to End With New Delhi Declaration

The BRICS Summit is scheduled to begin at 2:35 pm on Saturday. The two-day event will conclude with the release of the New Delhi Declaration, which is expected to outline the group’s priorities and areas of cooperation following the summit. Putin’s presence in New Delhi and his bilateral discussions with Modi are likely to remain among the key developments during the event. The talks are expected to cover the future of India Russia relations, defence cooperation, energy, nuclear projects, technology and other strategic issues.

Why Is Vladimir Putin Visiting India?

Russian President Vladimir Putin is visiting India to participate in the BRICS Summit 2026 and hold bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The talks are expected to cover defence, energy, technology and other areas of cooperation.

What Will PM Modi and Putin Discuss?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Putin are expected to discuss strategic cooperation between India and Russia, including BrahMos missile upgrades, S-400 deliveries, possible Su-57 fighter jet supplies and proposed civil nuclear projects.

What Is the BRICS Summit 2026?

The BRICS Summit 2026 is the annual meeting of BRICS member countries, hosted by India during its current chairship. Trade, investment, technology, energy, health, agriculture and supply-chain cooperation are among the major areas on the agenda.

Where Is the BRICS Summit Being Held?

The BRICS summit is being hosted by India in New Delhi. Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in the Indian capital for the two-day event and is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders.

Which Leaders Are Attending the BRICS Summit?

The summit is expected to bring together leaders including Putin, Modi, Xi Jinping, Cyril Ramaphosa, Anwar Ibrahim, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Prabowo Subianto and Abiy Ahmed Ali, along with other senior international representatives.

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