New Delhi | 11 Sep 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin are scheduled to hold bilateral talks in New Delhi on Friday, with defence, trade, energy and technology cooperation expected to dominate the agenda ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit.
Putin arrived in the Indian capital late on Thursday for a three-day visit. The proposed sale and possible production of Russia’s Su-57 fifth-generation fighter aircraft in India may figure in the talks, but New Delhi has not announced any agreement.
Modi-Putin meeting to cover major defence programmes
Discussions are expected to include pending S-400 air-defence system deliveries, maintenance support and the proposed upgrade of India’s Su-30MKI fighter fleet.
Russia has also proposed expanding cooperation on the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile programme. The two countries are examining improvements to the existing missile and the development of the lighter BrahMos-NG variant, which is intended for deployment on a wider range of aircraft.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said earlier that the possible sale of the Su-57 to India was on the agenda. Any purchase, technology-transfer arrangement or domestic production plan would require formal negotiations and approval from the Indian government.
Trade, nuclear energy and connectivity also in focus
The two leaders are expected to review bilateral trade, investment, civilian nuclear energy and payment arrangements. India and Russia have been exploring wider use of national currencies while addressing practical difficulties created by their trade imbalance.
Connectivity projects, including the International North-South Transport Corridor and the proposed Chennai-Vladivostok maritime route, may also be discussed as both countries seek faster and more reliable supply chains.
BRICS leaders and delegates arrive in Delhi
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres arrived in New Delhi for the summit and was received at the airport by Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also met Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira at Hyderabad House for discussions on bilateral relations and international issues.
Delegates attending the summit are being offered an Indian menu featuring millet-based dishes, according to Amit Biswas, executive sous chef at The Lalit New Delhi.
Iranian President arrives for BRICS Summit
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also arrived in New Delhi on Friday. He is scheduled to meet Modi separately as India engages key BRICS partners amid continuing geopolitical and economic tensions.
The BRICS leaders’ summit is scheduled to be held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on 12 and 13 September.
