Putin Lands in Delhi for BRICS Summit, Set for Bilateral Talks with PM Modi

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on Friday to attend the 18th BRICS Summit, with bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled for later today.

MoS K.V. Singh received the Russian President at the airport. Confirming the arrival, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated on X that India and Russia share a longstanding partnership anchored in a "Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership".

Focus on Peace and SCO Summit Momentum

The summit level meeting comes shortly after the two leaders met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek last week. During that interaction, PM Modi pressed for a resolution to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, which began five years ago following Moscow's full-scale invasion.

"We have to move from a situation of ‘endless war’ to ‘end of war’… It is humanity’s wish that the end of this war happens as soon as possible," PM Modi had told the Russian leader in Bishkek.

Defence Cooperation and Global Issues Front and Centre

Friday's talks will allow both leaders to review the progress of their bilateral partnership and discuss key strategic matters. Defense cooperation is set to feature prominently on the agenda, with discussions expected on ongoing and prospective projects.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told Indian journalists ahead of the visit that President Putin will brief PM Modi on the current situation regarding the conflict in Ukraine alongside broader bilateral and global issues.

India Hosting 18th BRICS Summit as Chair

India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13 in its capacity as BRICS Chair 2026. The gathering will bring together leaders of member states, partner nations, and outreach invitees.

According to an MEA statement, discussions will focus on intra-BRICS cooperation on common priorities as well as regional and global developments.