New Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on Friday, September 11, to attend the 18th BRICS Summit being hosted by India and hold bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Putin is on a three-day visit to India.
Putin was received in Delhi by Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh. His visit comes ahead of the BRICS Leaders’ Summit, scheduled for September 12 and 13.
Putin-Modi Talks Today
The Russian President is scheduled to meet PM Modi for bilateral talks later on Friday. The discussions are expected to cover a broad range of India-Russia cooperation, including trade, investment, energy, defence, technology and other strategic areas.
The two leaders had last met in Bishkek on August 31 on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit. During that meeting, they reviewed cooperation in political, economic, defence, energy, space, mobility and people-to-people ties. They also discussed developments in West Asia and the Black Sea region.
BRICS Summit in Delhi
Putin’s visit comes as India prepares to host leaders of the expanded BRICS grouping. The summit will focus on strengthening cooperation in areas including politics and security, economics and finance, as well as cultural and humanitarian ties. Leaders are also expected to exchange views on major international and regional developments.
The summit is taking place against a challenging geopolitical backdrop, including the ongoing conflict involving Iran and the wider impact of the Middle East crisis on global energy markets and international relations.
Focus on India-Russia Partnership
The Putin-Modi meeting is expected to provide an opportunity for both sides to review progress in their longstanding strategic partnership and discuss ways to expand economic and strategic cooperation.
India and Russia have maintained close ties across defence, energy, space, fertilisers and other sectors. During their August meeting, Modi and Putin agreed to remain engaged to further strengthen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries.
Putin is also scheduled to participate in the BRICS Business Forum and visit the Innoprom exhibition with PM Modi as part of his visit.
The Russian President’s presence in New Delhi is expected to add significant diplomatic weight to this year’s BRICS summit and provide fresh momentum to India-Russia ties amid rapidly changing global geopolitical dynamics.
