Modi-Putin Meeting on September 11: Su-57, Trade, Ukraine War on BRICS Agenda

By Thetripurapost Desk, New Delhi
Sep 08, 2026
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin are scheduled to hold bilateral talks in New Delhi on September 11, ahead of theBRICS India 2026.

The high-level meeting is expected to cover defence cooperation, trade, economic relations, energy, the Russia-Ukraine war and other major international developments.

The Kremlin has confirmed the meeting, underlining the importance Moscow attaches to its strategic partnership with India. The talks come as both countries seek to deepen economic and defence cooperation amid major geopolitical changes.

Su-57 Fighter Jet Deal Likely to Feature in Modi-Putin Talks

One of the most closely watched issues will be Russia's proposed sale of its fifth-generation Su-57 fighter aircraft to India.

The advanced Russian fighter is expected to be part of discussions between Modi and Putin, with defence cooperation remaining an important pillar of India-Russia relations. Reports also indicate that the two sides could explore wider cooperation in advanced defence technology.

The Su-57 is designed as a stealth-capable multirole fighter and incorporates advanced radar, sensors, electronic warfare systems and modern air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons.

India-Russia Trade and Economic Cooperation

Trade and economic cooperation are also expected to receive considerable attention during the Modi-Putin meeting.

India and Russia are looking at ways to expand bilateral commerce, strengthen business ties and create additional opportunities for companies from both countries.

Indian businesses are seeking greater access to Russian markets, while Russian companies are interested in increasing their footprint in India.

Payment mechanisms are another important part of the evolving economic relationship. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia is not pursuing complete de-dollarisation but supports expanding the range of acceptable payment methods.

Ukraine War and Global Conflicts May Come Up

The Russia-Ukraine conflict is also expected to be discussed during the meeting.

Modi and Putin may exchange views on the latest developments in the war and its wider economic and geopolitical consequences.

The situation in the Persian Gulf and its potential impact on global energy markets and the international economy could also feature in the talks.

India-Russia Relations: From Soviet Partnership to Strategic Cooperation

India and Russia have maintained close relations for decades.

A major milestone came on August 9, 1971, when India and the Soviet Union signed the Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation.

Defence, heavy industry, technology and energy have traditionally formed important pillars of the relationship. Soviet assistance also contributed to India's industrial development, including projects such as the Bhilai Steel Plant.

India subsequently became a major purchaser of Russian-origin defence equipment, including fighter aircraft, tanks, submarines and missile systems.

Russia Remains Important to India's Energy Strategy

The Russia-Ukraine war significantly changed the global energy landscape.

Despite Western sanctions against Moscow, India continued purchasing Russian crude oil, making energy a major component of the bilateral economic relationship.

Russia's position as a significant crude supplier has strengthened India's economic engagement with Moscow while New Delhi continues to maintain relationships with other major global powers.

India Balances Relations With Russia, US and China

India's relationship with Russia exists alongside its expanding strategic partnership with the United States.

At the same time, Russia has developed increasingly close relations with China.

New Delhi therefore faces a complex geopolitical balancing act involving its traditional partnership with Moscow, growing cooperation with Washington and strategic competition with Beijing.

This multi-dimensional foreign policy is expected to remain important as India seeks to protect its economic, energy and security interests.

BRICS Summit 2026 in New Delhi

The 18th BRICS Leaders' Summit is being hosted in New Delhi, with Bharat Mandapam serving as the principal venue. The summit is scheduled for September 11-13 according to current reporting and official Delhi traffic advisories.

The gathering is expected to bring together leaders from BRICS member countries for discussions on international cooperation, economic issues and major geopolitical developments.

The Modi-Putin bilateral meeting is therefore attracting particular attention because of the importance of India-Russia relations across defence, energy, trade and diplomacy.

Delhi Traffic Restrictions Ahead of BRICS Summit

Delhi authorities have introduced extensive security and traffic arrangements ahead of the summit.

The Delhi Traffic Police has published a specific advisory covering September 11-13 and warned commuters about traffic regulation, diversions and restrictions connected with VIP movements.

Several important roads and routes may experience controlled traffic movement during the movement of foreign leaders and their delegations. Travellers heading toward airports and railway stations have also been advised to plan their journeys carefully.

Commuters are being urged to check the latest traffic updates, use alternative routes where necessary and allow additional time for their journeys.

Why the Modi-Putin Meeting Matters

The September 11 Modi-Putin meeting comes at a significant moment for India-Russia relations.

With Su-57 fighter jets, defence cooperation, trade, energy, payment mechanisms, the Ukraine war and wider geopolitical developments expected to feature in the discussions, the talks could provide important signals about the future direction of the India-Russia strategic partnership.

The meeting will also be closely watched against the wider backdrop of the BRICS Summit 2026 in New Delhi, where India is seeking to strengthen its role in an increasingly complex global order.

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