Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to hold a significant bilateral meeting in New Delhi on Friday, September 11, on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit 2026. The meeting comes at a strategically important moment for India-Russia relations, with defence cooperation, the proposed sale of Russia’s Su-57 fighter aircraft, trade and economic ties expected to feature prominently in the discussions.
Modi-Putin meeting scheduled for September 11
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed on Tuesday that Putin and Modi will meet during the Russian president’s visit to India. Speaking to reporters in a virtual briefing from Moscow, Peskov said the two leaders would first address their bilateral agenda.
The meeting is scheduled one day before the 18th BRICS Summit begins at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The summit is scheduled for September 12 and 13, with India hosting the gathering as the current BRICS chair.
The planned meeting underlines the importance both countries continue to attach to their long-standing strategic partnership. It also provides an opportunity for the leaders to review key areas of cooperation at a time of major geopolitical and economic shifts.
Su-57 fighter aircraft deal in focus
One of the most closely watched issues expected to come up during the talks is Russia’s Su-57 fifth-generation fighter aircraft. Peskov specifically confirmed that the proposed sale of Su-57 aircraft to India is on the bilateral agenda.
The aircraft issue could become an important component of broader defence discussions between the two countries. India and Russia have maintained extensive military cooperation for decades, and defence remains one of the central pillars of their strategic relationship.
However, India has not officially commented on Peskov’s remarks regarding the Su-57 discussions. Any decision concerning a major fighter aircraft acquisition would be significant for India’s long-term defence modernisation and indigenous manufacturing ambitions.
Trade and economic cooperation expected to feature
Beyond defence, trade and economic cooperation are also expected to receive attention during the Modi-Putin meeting.
The discussions come against the backdrop of evolving global trade patterns, financial pressures and sanctions linked to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Both New Delhi and Moscow have sought to strengthen mechanisms that allow bilateral economic engagement to continue despite international restrictions.
Peskov also criticised the proposed US move to impose a 100% tariff on countries purchasing Russian crude oil, describing the proposed action as “illegal and unacceptable.” His comments highlight the wider economic and geopolitical environment surrounding the upcoming talks.
For India, maintaining stable energy supplies while protecting its broader economic interests remains an important consideration in its engagement with Russia.
BRICS summit adds strategic importance
The Modi-Putin meeting will take place just ahead of the BRICS leaders’ summit, giving the bilateral talks added diplomatic significance.
India assumed the BRICS presidency on January 1, 2026, and the New Delhi summit is expected to bring together leaders from the expanded grouping. The core BRICS group comprises Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. Indonesia became a full member in 2025.
The summit is expected to provide a platform for discussions on international cooperation, economic development and major geopolitical challenges. With several prominent leaders expected to attend, bilateral meetings on the sidelines will also attract considerable attention.
Putin and Modi recently met at SCO Summit
The upcoming BRICS meeting will be the latest in a series of high-level interactions between Modi and Putin.
The two leaders most recently met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. That interaction was their first face-to-face meeting since the annual India-Russia Summit in New Delhi last December.
During their previous meeting, Modi reiterated India’s support for efforts aimed at achieving peace in the Ukraine conflict. He stressed that prolonged warfare pushes humanity backwards and called for movement towards a peaceful resolution.
India has consistently maintained that dialogue and diplomacy are essential for resolving international conflicts. Modi has also indicated that the Ukraine issue has been discussed with Putin during their meetings.
A closely watched diplomatic encounter
The September 11 meeting is therefore expected to combine traditional India-Russia priorities with emerging strategic challenges.
The potential Su-57 deal, defence cooperation, trade and economic engagement are likely to dominate the bilateral agenda, while broader global developments could also feature in the leaders’ discussions.
For New Delhi, the meeting represents another opportunity to reinforce its strategic partnership with Moscow while balancing its relationships with other major global powers. For Russia, the talks come at a time when Moscow is seeking to deepen ties with major partners across the Global South.
As Putin prepares to attend the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, the Modi-Putin meeting is likely to remain one of the most closely watched bilateral engagements surrounding the summit.
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