Modi-Putin Bilateral at BRICS 2026
India and Russia review strategic partnership as New Delhi seeks deeper economic, industrial and energy engagement with Moscow
NEW DELHI , ; GTNS , SEPTEMBER 11, 2026 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held high-level bilateral talks in New Delhi on Friday on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit, with the two countries reviewing a broad range of areas including trade, defence, energy, space, industry and people-to-people cooperation.
The meeting came just days before the BRICS leaders’ summit and marked the second interaction between Modi and Putin within two weeks. Their previous meeting took place on August 31 on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek.
TRADE TARGET TAKES CENTRE STAGE
One of the major economic objectives for India and Russia is to raise bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030. Trade has already expanded significantly, with bilateral commerce reaching nearly $70 billion in 2024–25, according to recent reporting.
Modi-Putin Bilateral at BRICS 2026
The two sides are also working on implementing the Programme of Economic Cooperation 2030, aimed at creating a stronger foundation for long-term commercial engagement.
The discussions come as both countries look to diversify economic cooperation beyond traditional areas and expand industrial partnerships, investment and market access.
NUCLEAR ENERGY AND STRATEGIC TECHNOLOGY
Civil nuclear cooperation remains an important area in the India-Russia relationship. Ahead of the meeting, Russian cooperation in additional nuclear power projects was identified as one of the key areas under consideration.
Defence and advanced technology are also central to the partnership. Reports ahead of the talks highlighted Indian interest in deeper cooperation involving advanced Russian defence technology, including the Su-57 programme.
The broader official agenda, however, extends beyond defence, with the leaders reviewing cooperation in energy, space, infrastructure and other strategic sectors.
INNOPROM ADDS INDUSTRIAL DIMENSION
Following their bilateral discussions, Modi and Putin visited INNOPROM India at Bharat Mandapam. The Russian industrial exhibition was held in India for the first time from September 9 to 11, with the two leaders interacting with participants.
The exhibition provided a platform to highlight industrial and technological capabilities and reinforced the economic component of the India-Russia relationship.
ENERGY SECURITY REMAINS IMPORTANT
Energy cooperation is another major pillar of the partnership. India has continued to rely heavily on Russian energy supplies, particularly crude oil, amid disruptions in global energy markets.
Recent reporting noted that Russian crude accounted for as much as 51% of India’s crude imports in July 2026, reflecting the importance of the relationship to India’s energy security.
At the same time, India has continued to emphasize dialogue and diplomacy in addressing international conflicts, including the war in Ukraine and tensions affecting maritime trade.
A PARTNERSHIP BEYOND DEFENCE
The Modi-Putin meeting demonstrated that India-Russia relations are being shaped by a wider economic and technological agenda rather than defence cooperation alone.
Trade expansion, nuclear energy, industrial manufacturing, space cooperation, energy security and emerging technologies are increasingly becoming important components of the bilateral partnership.
The meeting also carried a cultural dimension. Modi presented Putin with a Russian translation of the Thirukkural, the celebrated Tamil classic associated with Thiruvalluvar, highlighting the people-to-people and civilisational links between the two countries.
With India hosting BRICS 2026, the Modi-Putin engagement has placed the long-standing India-Russia partnership firmly within the wider debate over global economic cooperation, energy security and a changing international order.
GTNS | NEW DELHI ,
SEPTEMBER 11, 2026