Leaders discuss trade, energy, defence and global conflicts as India prepares to host the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks in New Delhi on September 11, 2026, reaffirming their commitment to strengthen the long-standing India-Russia strategic partnership ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit. The discussions covered political, economic, defence and energy cooperation, along with major international and regional developments.
The meeting comes at an important time for both countries, as India seeks to deepen its economic and strategic partnerships while maintaining its independent foreign-policy approach. India and Russia have continued to maintain strong energy and defence links despite changing geopolitical circumstances and Western sanctions on Moscow.
Focus on Trade and Economic Cooperation
Trade and investment were among the key areas discussed by Modi and Putin. The two countries have set an ambitious target of increasing bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030, building on trade that reached nearly $70 billion in 2024–25. Cooperation in infrastructure, technology, industry and other economic sectors is expected to remain a priority.
Both leaders also highlighted the importance of expanding industrial cooperation. They visited an India-Russia industrial exhibition showcasing cooperation and technological developments in different sectors.
Energy and Defence Ties
Energy remains a major pillar of India-Russia relations. Russia continues to be an important source of crude oil for India, with Russian supplies accounting for a significant share of India’s oil imports in 2026. Defence cooperation also remains a longstanding component of the bilateral relationship, with the two sides exploring further collaboration in advanced military technologies and equipment.
Discussion on Global Conflicts
Modi and Putin also discussed conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region, including their impact on maritime trade and Indian seafarers. Modi reiterated India’s position that conflicts should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy and expressed India’s willingness to contribute to peace efforts.
The talks also underline India’s balancing diplomacy. New Delhi continues to maintain its traditional relationship with Moscow while simultaneously developing strong partnerships with the United States, Europe and other countries.
BRICS Summit Adds Strategic Significance
Putin’s visit comes ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, where leaders of the expanded 11-member grouping are meeting amid major geopolitical tensions. The summit is expected to focus on economic cooperation, global governance, trade, finance and ways to strengthen the voice of emerging economies.
The Modi-Putin meeting therefore carries significance beyond bilateral relations. It demonstrates that India-Russia ties remain an important element of New Delhi’s broader foreign-policy strategy and its vision of a multipolar international order.
Conclusion
The latest Modi-Putin talks reaffirmed the resilience of the India-Russia partnership at a time of major global uncertainty. With cooperation spanning energy, defence, trade, technology and diplomacy, both countries are seeking to expand their relationship while addressing the challenges created by ongoing international conflicts.
