Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin are expected to hold a bilateral meeting on Friday, September 11, as New Delhi prepares to host the 2026 BRICS Summit. The discussions are likely to focus on key areas of India-Russia cooperation, including defense, trade, and economic relations, with the possible sale of Russia’s Su-57 fighter aircraft expected to be among the subjects under discussion.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that the two leaders are scheduled to meet during Putin’s visit. According to Peskov, Modi and Putin will first review the broader bilateral relationship before discussing specific areas of cooperation.
The proposed sale of Su-57 fighter aircraft to India is expected to feature on the agenda. However, the Indian government has not issued an official statement regarding Peskov’s comments or confirmed whether discussions could lead to a formal agreement.
Defense cooperation has traditionally been an important pillar of relations between New Delhi and Moscow. The possible discussion around the Su-57 comes as India continues to evaluate its long-term defense and aviation requirements.
Trade and economic cooperation are also expected to be discussed during the meeting. The two countries have been seeking to strengthen commercial relations and expand cooperation across sectors despite changes in the global geopolitical environment.
Peskov also criticized a proposed US measure that could impose 100% tariffs on countries purchasing Russian crude oil, describing such an action as unacceptable. Energy trade has remained an important part of economic discussions involving Russia and several of its international partners.
The meeting between Modi and Putin is scheduled ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit, which will take place at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on September 12 and 13. India assumed the BRICS presidency on January 1, marking the fourth time that New Delhi has chaired the grouping.
The summit is expected to bring together leaders and senior representatives from the expanded BRICS framework. The organization’s core members include Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates.
Several partner nations and international leaders are also expected to participate in the gathering, making the New Delhi summit an important diplomatic event for India.
Modi and Putin most recently held face-to-face discussions on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. During their meeting, Modi reiterated India’s position that dialogue and peaceful efforts remain essential for resolving conflicts.
The upcoming talks in New Delhi are therefore expected to combine strategic discussions with broader diplomatic and economic priorities. With defense cooperation, trade, energy, and regional developments likely to be discussed, the meeting could further shape the direction of the long-standing partnership between India and Russia.
