Quick Answer: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin are holding bilateral talks in New Delhi on 11 September 2026, a day before Russia joins the 18th BRICS Summit. The two leaders are expected to discuss defence deals (including the Su-57 fighter jet), trade targets worth $100 billion by 2030, energy and oil supplies under Western sanctions, and the war in Ukraine.
PM Modi and Putin Meeting 2026 is set to shape the future of India-Russia strategic relations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin are holding high-level bilateral talks in New Delhi on 11 September 2026, just a day before the 18th BRICS Summit begins. The discussion will cover key strategic areas including defense partnerships, trade targets, energy security, and regional diplomacy.
With Vladimir Putin once again returning to Delhi, an increasingly important question seems to arise. This time, the Russian President will arrive before the city hosts the world leaders for the BRICS Summit and has his bilateral talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi before the meeting of global leaders. But what exactly would two leaders who have held nearly 20 meetings in the last 11 years talk about?
PM Modi and Putin Meeting 2026 Date, Time & Venue
The bilateral meeting of the two leaders is scheduled to be held on 11 September 2026, a day prior to the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on 12-13 September. Russian spokesperson Dmitry Peskov commented on the upcoming Delhi meeting, saying the visit ‘is an expression of Russia’s interest in developing relations with India’.
It was not the first meeting between the two leaders. They met in the last few weeks in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, at the SCO Summit, and also in Tianjin in August. Furthermore, Putin has already paid a full state visit to Delhi in December 2025 for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. Thus, the current Delhi meeting is the continuation of the ongoing dialogue between the two leaders initiated in late 2025.
Agenda for PM Modi and Putin Meeting 2026
Defence deals, including the Su-57 jet
The most talked about topic is likely to be the possible purchase of Russia’s Su-57 stealth fighter by India. Putin has already spoken publicly about the offer and India has not yet accepted it, but it is practically always the centerpiece of such meetings. Russia continues to supply India with much of its military equipment, including the S-400 missile system, as well as naval vessels.
Trade and the $100 billion target
Bilateral trade hit a record $68 billion in 2024-25, and both sides have set a goal of $100 billion by 2030. Reaching that number means fixing some practical problems: payment systems that work around sanctions, a proposed free trade agreement between India and the Eurasian Economic Union, and better shipping routes like the International North-South Transport Corridor.
Energy and Russian oil
India became one of the largest buyers of discounted Russian crude oil after 2022, and that’s still a sore point with Washington. Expect the two sides to talk about keeping energy supplies stable while India manages pressure — and in some cases tariffs — from the United States over its oil purchases.
The war in Ukraine
Putin and Modi will most probably discuss the situation in Ukraine, though India has so far officially positioned itself as a country that does not take sides but promotes peace and diplomacy, and does not endorse Western sanctions. Do not expect any significant outcome in this area – at best, the leaders will exchange opinions on the topic.
Space, technology and people-to-people ties
Cooperation on India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, nuclear energy projects and cultural exchange programmes are often included in these meetings. Although they may not make the headlines, they are part of the enduring relationship that both countries are invested in.
Why This Meeting Matters Beyond India and Russia
For the United States, this meeting is of interest because India is a strategic partner in the Quad coalition, while maintaining a genuine independence as far as Russia is concerned. The latter continues to be a supplier of oil to India, and arms deals are also underway. Thus, India demonstrates a balanced foreign policy, and this meeting is an illustration of it.
For Russia, maintaining good relations with India have become particularly important since the beginning of the war with Ukraine in 2022. For the Russian Federation, India has become one of the largest customers for Russian oil, as the European countries have imposed sanctions on Russian imports. Moreover, India is one of the biggest buyers of Russian weaponry, which also strengthens its position as a strategic partner. Such meetings are strategic for President Putin to demonstrate to the world that Russia is not closed off in its foreign policy.
India-Russia Relationship: Quick Facts
| Metric | Detail |
| Bilateral trade (2024-25) | Over $68 billion |
| Trade target | $100 billion by 2030 |
| Leader meetings since 2015 | Around 19-20 |
| Anniversary in 2025 | 25 years of the Strategic Partnership |
| Key defence item under discussion | Su-57 fighter jet |
| Next big event | 18th BRICS Summit, 12-13 September 2026, Delhi |
Final Word
This summit is unlikely to produce a major strategic shift, but rather address routine issues such as trade, defense, and energy since both sides have recognized the importance of continuous high-level engagement. Pay close attention to whether Moscow and New Delhi will show greater resolve on the Su-57 sale, as it would mark a significant change for India’s defense industry.
FAQ
Q1: When is the PM Modi and Putin meeting in 2026?
The bilateral meeting is scheduled for 11 September 2026 in New Delhi, one day before the 18th BRICS Summit begins.
Q2: Why is Putin visiting India in September 2026?
Putin is visiting for a bilateral meeting with PM Modi and to attend the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit, which India is hosting at Bharat Mandapam on 12-13 September 2026.
Q3: Will India buy the Russian Su-57 fighter jet?
No final deal has been confirmed. Putin has raised the possibility publicly, and it’s expected to be discussed during the September 2026 talks, but India hasn’t announced a purchase.
Q4: How much is trade between India and Russia worth?
Bilateral trade reached a record high of over $68 billion in 2024-25. Both countries have set a target of $100 billion by 2030.
Q5: Does India support Russia in the Ukraine war?
No. India has stayed officially neutral, calling for dialogue and a peaceful resolution rather than backing either side or joining Western sanctions against Russia.
Q6: How many times have Modi and Putin met?
The two leaders have met around 19 to 20 times over the past eleven years, making it one of the most active bilateral relationships either leader maintains.
