Modi, Putin review India-Russia ties across trade, defence, energy and space
PM Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in New Delhi ahead of the BRICS Summit, reviewing bilateral ties across trade, defence, energy, space and other key sectors.
- Sep 11, 2026,
- Updated Sep 11, 2026 9:44 PM IST
BRICS Summit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday reviewed bilateral cooperation across political, economic, defence, energy, space and skill mobility sectors during their meeting on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. The two leaders also discussed the conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.
Besides, both the leaders discussed efforts to raise bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030, from the current $65 billion, while reviewing defence cooperation. Modi also discussed implementing the Programme for Economic Cooperation 2030, covering infrastructure, energy, technology, defence and culture.
India has sought greater market access for its exporters in Russia, with Moscow indicating it would work to lower trade barriers. Defence cooperation remains steady, with both sides exploring BrahMos missile upgrades, continued S-400 deliveries and discussions around the proposed supply of Su-57 fighter jets.
Putin invited Modi to visit Russia for the 24th India-Russia Annual Summit, an invitation the prime minister accepted. The dates for the meeting will be finalised through diplomatic channels.
The leaders discussed progress across several areas of the bilateral relationship, including people-to-people ties and skill mobility. They also agreed to remain engaged in strengthening the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, with the MEA noting that bilateral ties have remained resilient amid geopolitical uncertainties.
Friday’s meeting was the second between Modi and Putin this year. The two leaders had earlier held talks in Bishkek on August 31 on the sidelines of the 26th SCO Summit.
INNOPROM India highlights industrial ties
Modi and Putin welcomed Russia’s International Industrial Exhibition INNOPROM India, which was held in India for the first time from September 9-11. The leaders underlined the exhibition’s role in expanding trade and industrial cooperation between the two countries.
They also visited the exhibition together and interacted with participants.
MUST READ: BRICS must remove top 10 trade barriers, secure sea routes for seamless trade, says PM Modi
The discussions come as India and Russia seek to expand economic engagement beyond traditional areas of cooperation. The two sides reviewed bilateral progress across economic and industrial sectors while also discussing energy, defence and space cooperation.
West Asia, Black Sea conflicts discussed
The two leaders also exchanged views on the conflicts in West Asia and the situation in the Black Sea region.
The MEA said the conflicts have affected maritime trade as well as the safety and security of Indian seafarers. Modi reiterated India’s position that dialogue and diplomacy are the way forward in resolving conflicts.
“The prime minister once again reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy was the way forward in resolving conflicts and India stood ready to assist in peace efforts,” the MEA said.
The discussions also covered India-Russia engagement in multilateral forums, particularly BRICS under India’s 2026 chairship.
Strategic partnership enters next phase
India and Russia’s relationship is anchored in the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, first declared in October 2000 and upgraded to its current framework in 2010.
ALSO READ: Xi-Modi meeting: India-China thaw faces hurdles over border, trade and Pakistan
The two countries hold an Annual Summit alternately in India and Russia, serving as their highest institutionalised dialogue mechanism. The most recent, the 23rd Annual Summit, was held in New Delhi in December 2025.
At that summit, the two sides adopted Programme 2030, a framework aimed at deepening cooperation in trade, defence, energy, science and technology, connectivity and cultural exchanges.
BRICS Summit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday reviewed bilateral cooperation across political, economic, defence, energy, space and skill mobility sectors during their meeting on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. The two leaders also discussed the conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.
Besides, both the leaders discussed efforts to raise bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030, from the current $65 billion, while reviewing defence cooperation. Modi also discussed implementing the Programme for Economic Cooperation 2030, covering infrastructure, energy, technology, defence and culture.
India has sought greater market access for its exporters in Russia, with Moscow indicating it would work to lower trade barriers. Defence cooperation remains steady, with both sides exploring BrahMos missile upgrades, continued S-400 deliveries and discussions around the proposed supply of Su-57 fighter jets.
Putin invited Modi to visit Russia for the 24th India-Russia Annual Summit, an invitation the prime minister accepted. The dates for the meeting will be finalised through diplomatic channels.
The leaders discussed progress across several areas of the bilateral relationship, including people-to-people ties and skill mobility. They also agreed to remain engaged in strengthening the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, with the MEA noting that bilateral ties have remained resilient amid geopolitical uncertainties.
Friday’s meeting was the second between Modi and Putin this year. The two leaders had earlier held talks in Bishkek on August 31 on the sidelines of the 26th SCO Summit.
INNOPROM India highlights industrial ties
Modi and Putin welcomed Russia’s International Industrial Exhibition INNOPROM India, which was held in India for the first time from September 9-11. The leaders underlined the exhibition’s role in expanding trade and industrial cooperation between the two countries.
They also visited the exhibition together and interacted with participants.
MUST READ: BRICS must remove top 10 trade barriers, secure sea routes for seamless trade, says PM Modi
The discussions come as India and Russia seek to expand economic engagement beyond traditional areas of cooperation. The two sides reviewed bilateral progress across economic and industrial sectors while also discussing energy, defence and space cooperation.
West Asia, Black Sea conflicts discussed
The two leaders also exchanged views on the conflicts in West Asia and the situation in the Black Sea region.
The MEA said the conflicts have affected maritime trade as well as the safety and security of Indian seafarers. Modi reiterated India’s position that dialogue and diplomacy are the way forward in resolving conflicts.
“The prime minister once again reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy was the way forward in resolving conflicts and India stood ready to assist in peace efforts,” the MEA said.
The discussions also covered India-Russia engagement in multilateral forums, particularly BRICS under India’s 2026 chairship.
Strategic partnership enters next phase
India and Russia’s relationship is anchored in the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, first declared in October 2000 and upgraded to its current framework in 2010.
ALSO READ: Xi-Modi meeting: India-China thaw faces hurdles over border, trade and Pakistan
The two countries hold an Annual Summit alternately in India and Russia, serving as their highest institutionalised dialogue mechanism. The most recent, the 23rd Annual Summit, was held in New Delhi in December 2025.
At that summit, the two sides adopted Programme 2030, a framework aimed at deepening cooperation in trade, defence, energy, science and technology, connectivity and cultural exchanges.