Putin arrives in Delhi for BRICS Summit, set to hold talks with PM Modi today

Russian President Vladimir Putin made his arrival in New Delhi on Friday (Sept. 11, 2026) for the 18th BRICS Summit, where he is set to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed Putin's arrival, stating that he was received at the airport by Minister of State K.V.

Singh Gonda. India and Russia share a multifaceted and longstanding relationship, characterized by a Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. This visit follows Putin's meeting with PM Modi during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek the previous week, where Modi urged Putin to transition from "endless war" to "end of war," referring to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The upcoming meeting between Modi and Putin is expected to review the progress of their bilateral partnership and discuss strategic issues. Defence cooperation is likely to be a key topic on the agenda. As BRICS Chair 2026, India will host the summit, with leaders from BRICS member and partner countries and outreach invitees participating in the discussions on September 12-13.