Russian President Vladimir Putin met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday as India hosts the BRICS leaders’ summit, with the two countries seeking to deepen their longstanding strategic and economic partnership.
Putin arrived in India early Friday for a three-day visit, with bilateral discussions focusing heavily on trade, energy and investment.
Indian media reports, citing sources familiar with the talks, said Modi and Putin are expected to discuss plans to increase bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030, supported by greater cooperation in rail transportation, steel production, critical minerals, fertilizers and nuclear energy.
Su-57 fighter jets reportedly on agenda
Defence cooperation is also expected to feature prominently in the discussions.
The Kremlin indicated earlier this week that the possible sale of Russia’s Sukhoi Su-57 stealth fighter jets to India could be discussed during Putin’s visit.
Putin is accompanied by a delegation of more than 300 Russian business executives, who are expected to hold talks on supply chains, food security and other commercial opportunities.
The Russian president is also scheduled to address the BRICS business forum on Friday.
The main BRICS leaders’ plenary session is scheduled for Saturday, followed by an expanded meeting Sunday involving partner countries and international organizations.
Russia and India seek deeper economic ties
Russia remains one of India’s major energy suppliers, making energy cooperation an important component of the bilateral relationship.
New Delhi, however, has sought to balance its longstanding ties with Moscow against pressure from Washington over India’s purchases of Russian crude.
The two countries are now exploring ways to broaden their economic relationship beyond energy, with critical minerals, infrastructure, fertilizers, steel and nuclear power among the sectors identified for potential expansion.
Middle East conflict complicates BRICS summit
The summit comes as BRICS attempts to strengthen its role as a major grouping of emerging economies.
Originally formed around Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, the bloc has expanded to include countries such as Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.
This year’s gathering is taking place against the backdrop of the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, which has created divisions within the expanded organization.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledged that differences between Iran and the United Arab Emirates were complicating efforts to negotiate a joint BRICS declaration, but said Moscow remained hopeful that leaders could reach language acceptable to all members.
Ukraine war remains part of Modi-Putin dialogue
Modi and Putin last met earlier this month on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Kyrgyzstan.
During that meeting, Modi told the Russian president that the war in Ukraine needed to end for the sake of humanity and said India would support efforts aimed at bringing the conflict to a conclusion.
Their latest meeting comes as India continues to pursue a carefully balanced foreign policy — maintaining its strategic relationship with Russia while simultaneously strengthening ties with other major global powers.
The talks with Putin are also part of a packed diplomatic agenda for Modi at the BRICS summit, where Chinese President Xi Jinping is attending for the first time in India since 2019.
