11 September,2026 04:47 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
PM Narendra Modi (right) interacts with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin ahead of BRICS Summit 2026, in New Delhi, on Friday. PIC/PTI
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday held a bilateral meeting in New Delhi ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit, with discussions focusing on bilateral cooperation across key sectors and the ongoing conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region.
The two leaders shared a warm hug before sitting down for their second meeting this year. They had earlier met on the margins of the 26th SCO Summit in Bishkek on August 31, less than two weeks ago.
PM Modi also gifted Putin a Russian translation of the Thirukkural, written by great Indian Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar. The classic contains extensive writings on agriculture and farmers.
According to sources, Modi and Putin will review progress in bilateral cooperation across a range of fields, including political, economic, defence, energy, space, mobility and people-to-people ties.
The two leaders are also expected to discuss expanding industrial cooperation, including collaboration in the rail sector and tunnelling, developing the steel value chain, creating more business-to-business opportunities, and broadening access to the Russian market.
Strengthening civil nuclear cooperation, including fuel cycle and life-cycle support, will also form part of the discussions. Other areas include increasing cooperation in mobility by increasing Indian skilled labour in Russia, cooperation in critical minerals, and sustaining and increasing cooperation in fertilisers through strategic joint venture projects.
Before the Bishkek meeting, Modi and Putin had met in New Delhi for the 23rd Annual Summit in December 2025.
During their meeting in Bishkek, both leaders welcomed the outcome of the 27th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic and Cultural matters, held in Moscow on August 24.
They also exchanged views on India-Russia engagement in the multilateral arena, particularly in BRICS under India's Chairship for 2026. The two leaders shared perspectives on key regional and global issues of mutual interest, including the conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region, which have impacted maritime trade and the safety and security of Indian seafarers.
Prime Minister Modi had reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy were the way forward in resolving conflicts.
"The two leaders agreed to remain engaged to further strengthen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between the two countries, which continues to register significant growth and has shown resilience in the backdrop of geopolitical uncertainties," the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) had stated after the meeting on August 31.
(With IANS inputs)
