Putin to Engage in Bilateral Talks with Modi at BRICS Summit
Upcoming BRICS Summit in New Delhi
File image of PM Modi and Putin's in-car meeting during their 2025 visit to SCO Summit. (Photo:@narendramodi/X)
Moscow, Sep 8: Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to arrive in India later this week to participate in the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, where he will hold discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as confirmed by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Tuesday.
During a virtual briefing with Indian journalists, Peskov indicated that the leaders' meeting, set for September 11, will address topics such as bilateral cooperation, trade relations, global issues, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
“We anticipate that President Putin and Prime Minister Modi will have another bilateral meeting during this visit, which is planned for Friday,” Peskov stated.
He emphasized that trade and economic collaboration would be central to their discussions, while also noting that certain aspects of their relationship would be addressed privately.
“Many matters cannot be publicly discussed due to the presence of unfriendly nations attempting to hinder the advancement of our cooperation. Therefore, these discussions will be conducted discreetly yet constructively,” he added.
Peskov mentioned that the meeting would allow Putin to update Modi on the current situation regarding the conflict in Ukraine, as well as to exchange perspectives on broader international developments.
Concerns regarding the global economy and international transportation initiatives will also be part of the agenda, according to Peskov. He pointed out that the situation in the Persian Gulf has negatively impacted the global economy and disrupted energy supplies.
“Initially, we lost one-fifth of the global oil supply and 30% of the global supply of natural gas. The adverse effects of these developments are unfortunately unavoidable,” he remarked, noting that both nations are experiencing these repercussions.
Peskov characterized the relationship between Modi and Putin as both close and pragmatic, highlighting that their personal rapport allows them to address even sensitive topics candidly.
“The leaders of India and Russia maintain very close personal contact. Their pragmatic relationship enables them to discuss the most sensitive global issues and bilateral relations in an open and constructive manner,” he stated.
He also acknowledged the increasing interest of Indian businesses in investing in Russia.
“Indian companies are keen on the Russian market and are looking to expand their investments across various sectors in the Russian economy. We value and welcome this interest,” he noted.
As the BRICS Chair for 2026, India will host the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, which will gather leaders from BRICS member nations, partner countries, and outreach invitees.
Modi and Putin last met during the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, last month.
Following their bilateral discussions, the two leaders shared a car ride to the opening ceremony of the World Nomad Games.
They exhibited a similar camaraderie during the SCO Summit in Tianjin, China, in September of the previous year, when they traveled together to their meeting venue.