Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi early Friday ahead of the BRICS Summit 2026. His official aircraft landed at Delhi airport, marking the beginning of his visit to India. During his stay, Putin is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and hold a series of bilateral discussions. The two leaders are expected to review the broad range of India-Russia relations. Trade, energy and defence cooperation are likely to remain key areas of discussion. Both sides are also expected to explore ways to expand economic and strategic cooperation.

First Overseas BRICS Summit Since Ukraine War

Putin’s visit marks his first participation in an overseas BRICS Summit since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. His presence in New Delhi comes at a time when India and Russia are working to strengthen their long-standing partnership despite growing geopolitical pressure on Moscow. Western restrictions linked to the Ukraine war have also affected Russia’s trade and economic relations with several countries. Against this backdrop, India and Russia are seeking to increase bilateral economic engagement and explore new areas of cooperation.

Modi and Putin Met in Bishkek

Putin’s India visit comes only days after he met Prime Minister Modi on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek on August 31. During that meeting, the two leaders reviewed cooperation across several sectors. Their discussions covered political relations, trade, defence, energy, space and mobility. They also exchanged views on major international developments. These included the conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region. The latest meeting in Delhi is expected to build on those discussions and provide an opportunity for both sides to assess progress in their bilateral partnership.

Trade and Economic Cooperation on Agenda

Russian presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov had earlier indicated that trade and economic cooperation would be an important part of Putin’s discussions with Modi. Moscow and New Delhi are also examining new areas of economic partnership. These include cooperation in rare earths and other strategic sectors. Speaking to reporters during a virtual briefing from Moscow, Peskov said, "We're looking forward to the President and Prime Minister having another bilateral meeting during the visit. It is scheduled. It is scheduled for Friday, so first, like always, they will touch on the bilateral agenda. Trade and economic cooperation is a very wide scope." The two countries are expected to discuss ways to further expand bilateral trade and strengthen economic ties despite the wider geopolitical challenges.

Su-57 Fighter Jet Deal in Focus

Defence cooperation is another major issue expected to feature during Putin’s visit. Russia is exploring the possibility of supplying its Sukhoi Su-57 stealth fighter jets to India. The potential sale could become an important part of the defence discussions between the two countries. India and Russia have maintained extensive defence ties for decades. The two sides have also been looking at opportunities to increase local manufacturing and technology cooperation.

Aircraft Manufacturing Talks

India and Russia have also stepped up discussions on aircraft manufacturing in India. Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed on Thursday that talks are progressing on the possible manufacture of Russian aircraft in India. The discussions include the IL-114 turboprop aircraft and the Sukhoi Superjet 100. Such cooperation could further expand the economic dimension of India-Russia relations. It could also support India's efforts to strengthen domestic aircraft manufacturing and increase industrial cooperation with foreign partners.

India-Russia Ties Under Geopolitical Pressure

Putin’s visit comes as India continues to maintain close relations with Russia while also managing its ties with Western countries. The Ukraine conflict and Western restrictions on Moscow have created challenges for Russia’s international economic engagement. However, India and Russia have continued to pursue cooperation in areas such as energy, defence, trade and strategic sectors. The BRICS Summit is therefore expected to provide an important platform for the two countries to deepen their partnership and discuss new areas of collaboration.