New Delhi, September 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held key discussions in New Delhi on Friday ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit, reviewing bilateral cooperation across several sectors and exchanging views on ongoing conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region.
The two leaders shared a warm hug before beginning their second meeting this year. They had earlier met on the sidelines of the 26th SCO Summit in Bishkek on August 31.
During the meeting, Modi presented Putin with the Russian translation of the Thirukkural, the celebrated work of Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar, which contains extensive writings on agriculture and farmers.
The discussions are expected to cover progress in the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership across political, economic, defence, energy, space, mobility and people-to-people ties.
The two sides are also expected to explore greater industrial cooperation, including collaboration in railways and tunnelling, development of the steel value chain, expansion of business-to-business opportunities and wider access for Indian products to the Russian market.
Civil nuclear cooperation, including the fuel cycle and life-cycle support, is another key area under discussion. The leaders are also expected to focus on increasing mobility and opportunities for skilled Indian workers in Russia, cooperation in critical minerals and strengthening fertiliser supplies through strategic joint venture projects.
Modi and Putin had earlier met in New Delhi for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit in December 2025. At their Bishkek meeting on August 31, they 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.
They also discussed India-Russia cooperation in multilateral forums, particularly BRICS under India’s 2026 chairship, besides exchanging views on regional and global developments.
The conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region also figured prominently, particularly their impact on maritime trade and the safety and security of Indian seafarers. Modi reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy remain the way forward for resolving conflicts.
Following the August meeting, the Prime Minister’s Office said both leaders had agreed to remain engaged to further strengthen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia, which has continued to grow despite geopolitical uncertainties.
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