New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in New Delhi ahead of the 18th BRICS Leaders' Summit, with the two sides reaffirming their long-standing strategic partnership amid major geopolitical and economic shifts.

The meeting came as India hosts the BRICS summit on September 12 and 13 at Bharat Mandapam.

Modi, Putin Discuss Strategic Partnership

The two leaders discussed ways to deepen India-Russia cooperation across areas including trade, defence, energy and broader economic ties.

Russia has also expressed interest in strengthening BRICS cooperation and creating alternative systems for trade and financial cooperation.

According to Reuters, Putin said Russia wanted BRICS to play a greater role in global economic growth while criticising unilateral trade restrictions and sanctions.

India-Russia Trade Target in Focus

India and Russia have been working to expand bilateral trade, with the two countries targeting an increase from nearly $70 billion in 2024-25 to $100 billion by 2030.

Energy remains a major component of the relationship, while both sides are also looking at expanding cooperation in other sectors.

BRICS Summit Adds Global Significance

The Modi-Putin meeting comes just as leaders of the expanded BRICS grouping gather in New Delhi.

The summit is being held against the backdrop of conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, global trade tensions and debates over the future of international financial and economic cooperation.

India has sought to use its BRICS chairship to strengthen practical cooperation while maintaining relationships with both Western countries and members of the expanded BRICS grouping.

What to Watch at the Summit

Attention will now turn to the BRICS Leaders' Summit, bilateral meetings and the final outcomes announced by participating countries.

Any specific agreement or decision will be treated as confirmed only after an official announcement.

IMAGE CREDIT: Official BRICS India 2026 / PIB / authorised agency image.