PM Modi, Vladimir Putin hold bilateral meet day before BRICS summit
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a 45‑minute bilateral meeting in Delhi on Friday, a day before the opening of the two‑day BRICS summit. The talks are expected to focus on expanding trade, energy cooperation and defence ties, including a possible Su‑57 fighter deal.
- ✓Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a 45‑minute bilateral meeting in Delhi on Friday, a day before the opening of the two‑day BRICS summit.
- ✓The encounter, which began at 3:30 pm, marked Putin’s first in‑person attendance at a BRICS gathering since the conflict in Ukraine began.
- ✓Russia remains one of India’s top crude oil suppliers, delivering roughly two million barrels per day despite a 26 percent drop in August imports.
- ✓Both leaders are said to be working toward a target of $100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030, up from about $70 billion recorded in the fiscal year 2024‑25.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi on Friday afternoon for a brief 45‑minute bilateral session, scheduled just before the commencement of the BRICS summit. The encounter, which began at 3:30 pm, marked Putin’s first in‑person attendance at a BRICS gathering since the conflict in Ukraine began.
The agenda is reported to centre on three pillars: trade, energy and defence. Russia remains one of India’s top crude oil suppliers, delivering roughly two million barrels per day despite a 26 percent drop in August imports. Both leaders are said to be working toward a target of $100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030, up from about $70 billion recorded in the fiscal year 2024‑25. Defence discussions may include the possible sale of the fifth‑generation Sukhoi Su‑57 fighter jet, while civil nuclear cooperation and critical mineral supplies are also likely topics.
This is the second meeting between the two heads within three weeks, the first having taken place on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Kyrgyzstan, where Modi urged a shift from “endless wars” to peace. The dialogue underscores the strategic depth of India‑Russia relations, especially as both nations navigate Western pressure on energy purchases and seek to diversify their security and economic partnerships ahead of the BRICS summit.
- •Aspirants and citizens are advised to monitor official notices and circulars issued by The Indian Express National.
- •Verify all prescribed eligibility criteria, cutoff dates, and authenticated document requirements prior to formal submissions.
- •Track connected examination timetables, vacancy advisories, and administrative gazettes on SuchnaSetu.
| Issuing Authority | The Indian Express National |
|---|---|
| Topic Category | POLITICS |
| Jurisdiction | All India / National |
| Publication Date | 11 September 2026 |