The Russian and Egyptian presidents use the BRICS gathering in New Delhi to review bilateral cooperation, economic links and wider engagement with Africa.
NEW DELHI , INDIA ; GTNS
SEPTEMBER 12, 2026 : Russian President Vladimir Putin and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi held talks in New Delhi on Friday as leaders gathered in the Indian capital for the 18th BRICS Summit.
The meeting provided the two leaders an opportunity to take stock of the Russia-Egypt relationship and discuss ways to maintain momentum in their economic and political cooperation.
Putin highlighted the positive direction of bilateral relations, particularly the expansion of economic exchanges between the two countries. The Russian leader also pointed to the importance of ongoing joint projects as Moscow and Cairo seek to broaden their partnership.
The discussion comes at a time when both countries are pursuing stronger engagement with emerging economies and developing countries. Egypt’s position in the Arab world and Africa makes its relationship with Russia significant for Moscow’s wider outreach across the Global South.
Economic Cooperation Remains Important
Trade and investment have become an increasingly important part of the Russia-Egypt relationship. Both governments have worked to develop cooperation in sectors including energy, infrastructure, industry and other areas of economic activity.
The leaders’ latest meeting offered an opportunity to review the progress of these efforts and consider the scope for further cooperation.
The two sides have also maintained regular political dialogue on regional and international developments, giving the bilateral relationship a broader dimension beyond economic ties.
Egypt’s BRICS Role
Sisi’s presence in New Delhi carries additional significance because Egypt is among the countries that joined the expanded BRICS grouping in 2024.
Egypt’s membership has strengthened the representation of both Africa and the Arab world within BRICS and has created additional channels for Cairo to engage with major emerging economies.
For Russia, closer engagement with Egypt also supports its broader effort to strengthen relations with African countries and other members of the Global South.
Invitation to Russia-Africa Summit
During the meeting, Putin invited Sisi to participate in the upcoming Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow in October.
The invitation points to Moscow’s interest in maintaining high-level engagement with Cairo beyond the BRICS meeting and strengthening Egypt’s role in Russia’s Africa-focused diplomacy.
For Cairo, participation in such forums provides another opportunity to advance its economic and political interests while maintaining relationships with major international partners.
BRICS Summit Adds Diplomatic Momentum
The Putin-Sisi meeting was one of several bilateral engagements taking place around the BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
The summit has brought together leaders from major emerging economies and provided space for discussions not only on collective BRICS priorities but also on individual bilateral relationships.
The Russia-Egypt talks underline how the New Delhi summit is functioning as a broader diplomatic platform, allowing participating countries to address their own strategic and economic priorities alongside the group’s common agenda.
The meeting also reflects the changing importance of BRICS diplomacy, where bilateral partnerships, regional cooperation and wider Global South engagement increasingly intersect.
INDIA ; GTNS
SEPTEMBER 12, 2026 | NEW DELHI