Modi meets Putin on sidelines of BRICS summit in New Delhi
NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, their second meeting this year.
The two leaders had previously met in Bishkek on the sidelines of the 26th SCO Summit on Aug. 31, 2026, officials said.
The leaders reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation across political, economic, defence, energy, space, skills mobility and people-to-people domains, according to a statement issued after the meeting.
They welcomed Russia’s International Industrial Exhibition INNOPROM India, which was held for the first time in India from Sept. 9-11, and underscored its importance in expanding trade and industrial ties. The two leaders also visited the exhibition and interacted with participants, the statement said.
The leaders exchanged views on India-Russia engagement in multilateral forums, particularly BRICS under India’s chairmanship for 2026, and shared perspectives on regional and global issues, including conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region that have impacted maritime trade and the safety of Indian seafarers.
Modi reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy was the way forward in resolving conflicts and that India stood ready to assist in peace efforts, the statement said.
The two leaders agreed to remain engaged to further strengthen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries, which has shown resilience amid geopolitical uncertainties, it said.
Putin invited Modi to visit Russia for the 24th India-Russia Annual Summit. Modi accepted the invitation, with dates to be decided through diplomatic channels, the statement said.
