Modi-Putin Meeting Focuses on Trade, Energy and Major Defence Proposals

New Delhi | 11 Sep 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held bilateral talks in New Delhi on Friday, reviewing cooperation in trade, energy, defence and technology ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit.

The meeting covered the broader India-Russia strategic partnership, including civil nuclear energy, fertilisers, critical minerals, manufacturing, railways and steel. Defence proposals involving the Su-57 fighter aircraft, S-400 air-defence system and BrahMos missile programme were also expected to feature in the discussions.

Modi-Putin meeting puts defence cooperation in focus

Russia has proposed supplying its Su-57 fifth-generation fighter aircraft to India and has expressed readiness to discuss technology sharing and domestic production. India had not announced any purchase or production agreement at the time of reporting.

The two sides were also expected to review the remaining S-400 deliveries and long-term maintenance arrangements. A proposed upgrade of India’s Su-30MKI fleet and future cooperation on advanced air-defence systems have formed part of wider defence discussions.

India and Russia are separately examining improvements to the jointly developed BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. The proposed BrahMos-NG would be lighter than the existing system and designed for integration with a wider range of aircraft, including the Tejas fighter.

Trade, energy and Ukraine discussed

Modi and Putin discussed expanding bilateral trade and developing reliable payment and transport mechanisms. India and Russia have explored greater use of national currencies while seeking solutions to the imbalance created by India’s substantially higher imports from Russia.

Energy remains central to the relationship. India has defended its purchases of Russian oil by citing the need for secure, affordable and dependable supplies for its population and economy.

Modi reiterated India’s position that the conflict in Ukraine should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. New Delhi has said it supports credible efforts aimed at achieving peace while continuing its economic engagement with Moscow.

Civil nuclear cooperation, including existing Russian involvement at the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant and the possibility of additional projects, was also expected to receive attention.

BRICS Business Forum draws more than 2,000 delegates

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said more than 2,000 business leaders and delegates from BRICS member and partner countries attended the BRICS Business Forum. Discussions covered non-tariff barriers, global value chains, agriculture, services, women-led enterprises and the digital economy.

International delegations arrive in New Delhi

Nigerian Vice-President Kashim Shettima arrived in India to participate in the BRICS Summit, joining leaders and senior representatives from member, partner and invited countries.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres also arrived in New Delhi and was received at the airport by Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar.

Foreign ministers hold bilateral consultations

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira at Hyderabad House. Their discussions covered bilateral relations and international issues ahead of the summit.

Modi also presented Putin with a Russian translation of the Thirukkural, the classical Tamil work attributed to poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar, during their engagement in New Delhi.

Indian cuisine and millets feature in summit hospitality

Hotels accommodating BRICS delegates prepared Indian menus featuring millet-based dishes. Amit Biswas, executive sous chef at The Lalit New Delhi, said the menu was designed to promote millets while serving the requirements of international guests.

The BRICS leaders’ summit is scheduled for 12 and 13 September at Bharat Mandapam. Leaders are expected to discuss economic cooperation, global governance, trade, financial coordination, sustainable development and current international conflicts.