Brics summit: What’s on agenda as world leaders gather in Delhi amid global tensions

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in India on Friday, July 28, 2023, in advance of the upcoming Brics Summit in 2026. His official aircraft touched down at Delhi's airport. During his visit, Putin is set to meet with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and engage in multiple bilateral meetings. This marks Putin's first overseas appearance at a Brics Summit since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Both leaders are expected to discuss the broad spectrum of India-Russia relations, with trade, energy, and defense cooperation likely to be key topics. The visit follows a previous meeting between Modi and Putin on August 31 at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, where they reviewed cooperation in areas including political ties, trade, defense, energy, space, and mobility.

Putin's presence in India also coincides with efforts by both nations to strengthen economic ties despite international pressure over Russia's actions in Ukraine and Western sanctions on Russian trade. Russia's presidential spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, earlier stated that the two countries are exploring cooperation in rare earths, as well as the potential sale of Sukhoi Su-57 stealth fighter jets to India.

During a virtual briefing from Moscow, Peskov confirmed that the President and Prime Minister will have another bilateral meeting during Putin's visit on Friday, focusing on the extensive bilateral agenda, with trade and economic cooperation being a broad area of discussion. Additionally, talks between India and Russia have intensified regarding manufacturing aircraft in India, such as the IL-114 turboprop and Sukhoi Superjet 100.