Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit India for the 18th BRICS Summit and hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on September 11, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed on Tuesday. The BRICS leaders’ summit is scheduled for September 12–13.

The upcoming Modi-Putin meeting is expected to focus on the India-Russia strategic partnership, trade and economic cooperation, defence, energy and major international developments, including the Ukraine conflict. Potential cooperation on Russia’s Su-57 fifth-generation fighter aircraft is also expected to figure in discussions, according to Russian statements and reports. 

Putin to Meet Modi Before BRICS Summit

Peskov said Putin and Modi will hold bilateral talks on Friday, September 11, ahead of the BRICS leaders’ meeting.

The announcement comes just days after Modi and Putin met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek on August 31. During that meeting, the two leaders reviewed cooperation across political, economic, defence, energy, space and mobility sectors.

The Indian government said Modi also reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy are the way forward in resolving conflicts. Both leaders agreed to continue strengthening the India-Russia “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.” 

Trade and Payment Mechanisms in Focus

Trade and economic cooperation are expected to be an important part of the September 11 talks.

India and Russia have expanded the use of national currencies and alternative payment mechanisms for bilateral transactions, particularly as Western sanctions have complicated conventional international financial channels.

Peskov said on Tuesday that Russia remains open to different acceptable payment methods and does not view “de-dollarisation” as a formal objective. His comments came during a virtual interaction with Indian journalists ahead of the BRICS summit. 

The two sides are also expected to examine ways to expand bilateral trade, improve payment channels and strengthen cooperation in areas including energy, fertilisers, transport and investment.

Ukraine War Could Feature in Talks

The Russia-Ukraine conflict is also likely to be discussed during the Modi-Putin meeting.

India has consistently advocated dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the conflict while maintaining relations with both Moscow and Western countries. Modi reiterated this position during his August 31 meeting with Putin.

The geopolitical situation has also gained fresh significance as Moscow and Washington have explored the possibility of reviving negotiations involving Russia, Ukraine and the United States. The Kremlin said on September 7 that it did not rule out a return to a trilateral negotiating format, although it was too early to discuss specific dates or venues. 

For New Delhi, the discussions could provide another opportunity to exchange views with Moscow on the conflict and its impact on energy markets, food security and global trade.

Su-57 Fighter Deal on Russia's Agenda

Defence cooperation is another major area expected to attract attention.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has indicated that the sale of Russia's Su-57 fighter aircraft to India is on Moscow's agenda. The Su-57 is Russia's fifth-generation fighter aircraft and incorporates stealth features, advanced sensors and electronic warfare capabilities.

Reports have also linked the upcoming discussions to broader Russian defence proposals, including the possibility of cooperation involving advanced military platforms. However, there has been no official confirmation of a final Su-57 procurement agreement.

Any potential deal would be significant for India's effort to expand its advanced fighter capability while continuing to diversify and modernise its defence inventory.

Energy, Nuclear and Strategic Cooperation

Beyond defence, India and Russia are expected to discuss cooperation in energy and other strategic sectors.

The two countries already cooperate in areas including civil nuclear energy, oil, fertilisers, space and technology. During the August 31 Modi-Putin meeting, the leaders reviewed progress across these sectors and welcomed the outcome of the 27th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation held in Moscow on August 24. 

The discussions come as both countries seek to expand economic ties despite geopolitical and financial pressures.

India Hosts BRICS Leaders in New Delhi

India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12 and 13, with the country holding the group's chairship for 2026.

Putin's visit will bring one of India's most important strategic partners to New Delhi at a time when BRICS is dealing with questions around trade, payments, global governance, economic cooperation and the changing international order.

The Russian President's presence is also expected to make his bilateral meeting with Modi one of the closely watched engagements on the sidelines of the summit.

Why Modi-Putin Meeting Matters

The September 11 talks will come at an important stage in India-Russia relations.

New Delhi wants to maintain its long-standing strategic relationship with Moscow while simultaneously strengthening ties with the United States, Europe and other major partners.

For Russia, India remains an important economic and diplomatic partner amid continuing Western pressure over the Ukraine conflict.

The Modi-Putin meeting is therefore expected to go beyond a routine bilateral engagement, with trade, payment systems, defence, energy, Ukraine and wider geopolitical developments likely to shape the discussions.

The meeting will also provide an opportunity for both leaders to review progress since their previous summit-level engagements and set priorities for the next phase of the India-Russia partnership.