Modi-Putin Meet: Trade Deficit, Defence And The Next Phase Of India-Russia Ties In Focus

India Today Group’s Pranay Upadhyaya reports from Bharat Mandapam ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The Modi-Putin meeting is expected to focus on strengthening India-Russia ties across defence, energy, trade and economic cooperation. With bilateral trade expanding, the growing trade deficit remains a key concern. Defence cooperation is also in focus, with Russia signalling readiness for India-specific changes to military platforms and deeper joint production. From Sukhoi-57 and S-500 discussions to BrahMos and nuclear cooperation, the summit could shape the next phase of the India-Russia strategic partnership.