Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in New Delhi today on the eve of the 18th BRICS Summit 2026. The meeting comes as India and Russia look to strengthen their strategic partnership in a period of geopolitical uncertainty and international conflagration.

The two leaders exchanged views on bilateral cooperation in trade, defence, energy, space, start-ups, skill development and people-to-people interactions, as well as key geopolitical events in the region and beyond.

Modi-Putin talks focus on boosting trade between India and Russia

Trade emerged as an important area of discussion during the meeting. The leaders of the two countries have been working to build on bilateral ties and boost economic cooperation under the India-Russia Programme for Economic Cooperation 2030.

Both countries are focused on enhancing industrial and economic partnerships and expanding market access. The two leaders also discussed the Russia’s INNOPROM India industrial exhibition – hosted for the first time in India from September 9 to 11 – as an important platform for business development and increased industrial cooperation.

New Delhi and Moscow have also set an ambitious target to increase bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030. It is expected that the leaders will explore ways to expand trade and investment ties during their meeting.

Defence and energy cooperation to be key discussion topics

• Defence and energy cooperation figure to play a critical role in bilateral ties during the meeting. The leaders are expected to discuss increasing strategic partnerships in the sector.
• Meanwhile, India seeks to boost its energy security in the wake of global geopolitical tensions impacting energy supplies. Russia, on the other hand, is a major supplier of energy to India, while bilateral defence cooperation has been a cornerstone of India-Russia strategic partnership.
• Civil nuclear energy, critical minerals and fertiliser cooperation, as well as infrastructure development and new technologies, are likely to be key areas of discussion.

Regional and international geopolitical issues to be raised

The Russia-Ukraine conflict and regional geopolitical tensions in West Asia were also on the agenda of discussion between the two leaders.

During his talks with Putin, PM Modi reiterated India’s position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, calling for a diplomatic resolution. New Delhi has been advocating for dialogue and peaceful negotiations to end the hostilities. In addition, Modi and Putin also discussed regional geopolitical tensions affecting maritime trade and Indian sailors.

With global geopolitics entering a new phase, with major power rivalries, including between Russia, Ukraine, West Asia, and major global powers, threatening international trade, energy security and strategic partnerships, the meeting between Modi and Putin has gathered significant attention.

Putin invites Modi for the 24th India-Russia Annual Summit

In addition to the key bilateral and international discussion topics, Russian President Vladimir Putin invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the 24th India-Russia Annual Summit. Modi has accepted the invitation and the date is yet to be finalised through diplomatic channels.

The visit is expected to provide an impetus to India-Russia strategic partnership that has been a pillar of stability in bilateral ties, despite geopolitical uncertainties. Both countries have been working to bolster their special and privileged strategic partnership.

BRICS Summit 2026: India looks to enhance its global outreach

• With the BRICS Summit 2026 set to begin tomorrow in New Delhi, Modi-Putin talks have drawn significant attention, as the meeting takes place against the backdrop of the 18th BRICS Summit being hosted by India.
• The BRICS grouping – comprising of India, Russia, China, Brazil, South Africa and five other emerging economies – has garnered global attention as a counterweight to Western-dominated institutions.
• New Delhi is working to build on its outreach to members of the BRICS grouping, focusing on trade, economic cooperation, energy security and a new world order. The attendance of Modi and Putin – along with other prominent global leaders – has the potential to make the New Delhi BRICS Summit 2026 a historic event in global diplomacy.

Modi-Putin talks gain momentum as bilateral ties deepen

The meeting between Modi and Putin marks the second time that the two leaders have met this year. The two Heads of State last met in Bishkek on the sidelines of the SCO Summit on August 31, 2026.

Both leaders seem to be making concerted efforts to intensify strategic partnerships, deepen economic and trade ties, and expand cooperation in key sectors, including technology, energy, defence, space and infrastructure. As the BRICS Summit 2026 begins tomorrow in New Delhi, Modi-Putin talks are expected to provide valuable insight into India’s foreign policy priorities and its geopolitical positioning in an increasingly volatile international order.