Putin Modi to meet Friday ahead of BRICS summit
Modi and Putin are slated for a bilateral meeting on Friday on the eve of the BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi, with discussions likely to cover trade, currency settlement, and potential arms deals. The gathering occurs as India chairs BRICS in 2026 and plans to host leaders from across the bloc.
Key takeaways
- Modi and Putin are confirmed to hold a bilateral meeting on Friday, ahead of the BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi.
- Discussions are expected to include bilateral trade and the use of national currencies in BRICS payments, as stated by the Kremlin spokesperson.
- A potential sale of Russia’s Su-57 fighter jets to India is anticipated to be on the agenda for the talks.
- India chairs the BRICS presidency in 2026, and the summit is scheduled for September 12-13 in New Delhi.
What Happened
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting on Friday, ahead of the BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13, 2026. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed the encounter and said the discussions are expected to touch on bilateral and broader policy issues, including trade and economic cooperation. Separately, reporting from various outlets indicates that the potential sale of Russia’s Su-57 fighter aircraft to India is likely to figure in the talks. The BRICS summit itself will take place at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, with India serving as BRICS president for 2026.
Peskov noted that a large portion of Russia’s payments within BRICS are conducted in national currencies, underscoring a financial dimension to the discussions. The approach to BRICS’ declaration on regional issues, including developments in West Asia, was also cited as a topic that could be touched upon, though the emphasis remained on constructive diplomacy and mutual interests.
Why It Matters
The meeting underscores ongoing Russia-India engagement at a time of wider geopolitical and trade realignments involving BRICS economies. A bilateral discussion on arms sales, such as the Su-57, along with currency-transaction practices within BRICS, signals potential shifts in trade and defence collaboration. The leadership gesture occurs as BRICS prepares to deliberate on global governance, economic ties, and regional security considerations during the New Delhi summit.
Background
India is hosting the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13, 2026. India assumed the BRICS presidency on January 1, 2026, for the year, marking a continuation of its chairmanship within the expanded group. Observers expect attendance from other prominent leaders, including China’s Xi Jinping, with official confirmation pending. Previously, Modi and Putin met on the margins of other multilateral forums, signaling ongoing high-level engagement between the two countries.
Key Facts
- Venue: BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi, September 12-13, 2026.
- Bilateral meeting: Modi and Putin scheduled for Friday, September 11, 2026, on the sidelines of the BRICS summit.
- Participants: Modi, Putin; BRICS participants and invited leaders are expected at the summit.
- Money and trade: Russia states that a majority of payments within BRICS are settled in national currencies.
- Potential topics: Su-57 fighter aircraft sale to India; trade and economic cooperation; regional security declarations within BRICS.
What Happens Next
Officials have not released a final agenda beyond anticipated talks on bilateral issues and broader BRICS topics. If the Su-57 fighter aircraft deal advances, formal discussions may be followed by announcements or statements from Moscow or New Delhi. The New Delhi summit schedule will unfold with plenary and related meetings among BRICS members and partners, with participation subject to final confirmations, including potential attendance by Xi Jinping.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
