Modi-Putin Talks Take Centre Stage Ahead of BRICS Summit in New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held bilateral talks in New Delhi on Friday, placing the long-standing India-Russia partnership at the centre of diplomatic activity ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit. The meeting, held amid major geopolitical tensions, focused on strengthening cooperation in trade, energy, defence and several emerging economic sectors.

The meeting marked the second interaction between Modi and Putin in two weeks, underlining the importance both sides continue to attach to their strategic relationship. Their previous meeting took place on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek on August 31. During that interaction, Modi had reiterated India’s position that the Ukraine conflict should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.

During Friday’s discussions, the two leaders reviewed a broad range of bilateral issues. Areas including civil nuclear energy, fertilisers, defence, critical minerals, manufacturing, railways and steel were expected to feature prominently in the talks. The discussions come as India seeks to expand economic engagement with Russia while maintaining access to secure and affordable energy supplies.

Energy cooperation remains a particularly important component of the relationship. Despite Western sanctions imposed on Moscow following the Russia-Ukraine war, India has continued purchasing Russian crude, arguing that its large economy requires reliable and competitively priced energy. Russian oil accounted for a record 51 per cent of India’s crude imports in July 2026, although the share was expected to moderate as Chinese purchases of Russian oil increased.

Modi also reiterated India’s broader position on international conflicts, stressing the importance of dialogue and diplomatic efforts to achieve peace. The issue assumes significance as the BRICS grouping meets at a time when the Ukraine war, the Middle East conflict and growing tensions among major powers are reshaping global diplomacy.

The talks also carried an important economic dimension. India and Russia have been working to expand bilateral trade and industrial cooperation, with both sides exploring opportunities beyond traditional areas such as defence and energy. Critical minerals, manufacturing and infrastructure are increasingly becoming important parts of the partnership.

Putin, meanwhile, invited Modi to visit Russia for the 24th India-Russia Annual Summit. Modi accepted the invitation, providing another opportunity for the two countries to review their strategic partnership and set new priorities for bilateral cooperation.

In a gesture highlighting the cultural dimension of India-Russia ties, Modi presented Putin with a Russian translation of the Thirukkural, the classical Tamil work associated with poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar.

The Modi-Putin meeting comes as New Delhi hosts leaders of the expanded BRICS grouping, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. With India seeking to balance its relationships with Russia, China and Western nations, the summit provides Modi with an important platform to reinforce India’s diplomatic influence while advancing its economic and strategic interests.