New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to meet in New Delhi on Friday, September 11, on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit 2026. The meeting comes a day before the two-day summit begins and is expected to provide an important opportunity for the two leaders to review the longstanding India-Russia partnership. The Kremlin confirmed the planned bilateral engagement on Tuesday, according to reports by Reuters and PTI. The meeting assumes significance as India prepares to host leaders of the BRICS member countries in the national capital for one of the major diplomatic gatherings of the year.
Modi-Putin Meeting Scheduled for September 11
PM Modi and President Putin will hold their bilateral discussions on September 11, ahead of the formal BRICS proceedings. While the detailed agenda of the meeting has not been publicly outlined, the two leaders are expected to discuss a range of issues concerning India-Russia relations as well as developments of international importance. India and Russia have maintained close strategic ties for decades. Their cooperation extends across several areas, including defence, energy, trade, technology, space and other strategic sectors. The upcoming meeting is therefore likely to be closely watched for any indication of how the two countries plan to further strengthen their partnership in the coming years.
BRICS Summit to Begin in New Delhi on September 12
The 18th BRICS Summit will be hosted at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on September 12 and 13. The summit will bring together leaders and representatives from BRICS member countries for discussions on issues affecting the global economy and international cooperation. The meeting is expected to focus on strengthening economic partnerships, improving cooperation among member nations and discussing broader challenges facing developing and emerging economies. For India, hosting the summit provides an opportunity to showcase its diplomatic priorities while engaging directly with some of the world's major emerging economies.
India Takes BRICS Presidency for Fourth Time
India assumed the BRICS presidency on January 1, 2026. This marks the fourth time that New Delhi has taken charge of the grouping since its establishment. During its presidency, India has sought to place greater emphasis on cooperation among developing nations and on issues affecting the Global South. The New Delhi summit will provide an important platform to advance these priorities and strengthen coordination among BRICS members. India's leadership of the grouping comes at a time when BRICS is playing an increasingly visible role in discussions surrounding global economic governance and international cooperation.
BRICS Completes Two Decades in 2026
The year 2026 is particularly significant for BRICS as the grouping marks 20 years since its establishment. The grouping began in 2006 with Brazil, Russia, India and China. South Africa later joined, leading to the adoption of the BRICS name. Over the years, the group has expanded further, bringing additional countries into its fold and increasing its presence on the global stage. The 20th anniversary provides an opportunity for member countries to reflect on the group's evolution and discuss its future direction.
India-Russia Partnership Remains a Key Focus
The Modi-Putin meeting will also highlight the continuing importance of the India-Russia relationship. The two countries have historically maintained strong cooperation in areas such as defence and energy, while also looking to expand economic and technological ties. The leaders could review ongoing cooperation and explore new areas where the partnership can be expanded. Regional and international developments may also feature in their discussions, particularly given the rapidly changing geopolitical environment. For New Delhi, maintaining strong relations with Moscow while engaging with a wider range of global partners remains an important part of its broader diplomatic approach.
Global Attention on New Delhi
The upcoming BRICS Summit is expected to attract considerable international attention, particularly because of the group's growing role in global affairs. The Modi-Putin bilateral meeting, scheduled just one day before the main summit, adds another important dimension to India's diplomatic calendar. Discussions between the two leaders could provide an indication of the future direction of bilateral cooperation and their shared approach to key international issues. With the BRICS Summit set to begin on September 12, all eyes will now be on New Delhi as leaders gather to discuss the future of the grouping and its role in a rapidly changing global order.
