Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi late at night for a significant three-day visit to participate in the 18th BRICS Summit (BRICS Summit 2026). This visit marks a crucial juncture in the diplomatic relations between India and Russia, as the two nations prepare to engage in high-level bilateral discussions, while upon his arrival at the Palam Airport in Delhi, President Putin was accorded a warm welcome by the Minister of State for External Affairs and Gonda MP, Kirtivardhan Singh. The reception highlights the deep-rooted and long-standing ties between the two countries, which are built on the foundation of a Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.
The Expanding Horizon of BRICS
The BRICS alliance, which originally comprised Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has seen a significant transformation in recent years, while in 2024, the group underwent a major expansion with the inclusion of Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Saudi Arabia. Also, Indonesia joined the collective in 2025, reflecting the growing influence of the bloc in the global geopolitical landscape. The 18th BRICS Summit in India serves as a platform for these member nations to discuss strategic cooperation across various sectors.
President Putin's Comprehensive Itinerary
President Putin's visit is packed with high-profile engagements. Before his arrival, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov had already reached India to lay the groundwork for the summit. According to Kremlin official Yuri Ushakov, President Putin is scheduled to address the plenary session of the annual BRICS Business Forum today. This forum is a traditional precursor to the main summit and serves as a vital platform for dialogue among business representatives from BRICS nations. Following this, the Russian President will hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two leaders are also expected to visit the INNOPROM India Exhibition, an event organized by the ministries of industry and trade of both nations to showcase industrial and technological advancements.
Strategic Discussions and Global Issues
The main proceedings of the 18th BRICS Summit are set to commence on September 12. Under the Indian presidency, the summit will focus on various proposed initiatives aimed at strengthening the BRICS strategic partnership. The discussions will span across critical areas including politics and security, economy and finance, and cultural and humanitarian ties. The leaders will also engage in an exchange of views on pressing international and regional issues. On the sidelines of the summit, President Putin is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with several international leaders, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
Xi Jinping's Participation and Regional Context
Chinese President Xi Jinping is also arriving in India to attend the BRICS Summit, marking his first visit to the country in seven years. This visit is seen as a significant opportunity to improve bilateral relations through the promotion of trade and investment. Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with President Xi on Saturday. This meeting comes at a time of global geopolitical turmoil and follows several high-level interactions, including the Special Representative level talks between National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing. The visit also takes place against the backdrop of concerns regarding Chinese military activities in the Arunachal Pradesh sector.
Bilateral Engagements with Global Leaders
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be maintaining a busy schedule of bilateral meetings during the summit. Apart from his meeting with President Putin, which is scheduled for 3:30 PM today, the Prime Minister will also meet with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at 6:15 PM. The summit will conclude on September 13 with an Expanded BRICS meeting, featuring heads of delegations from member and partner countries, as well as invited nations and heads of international organizations. The key agreements and consensuses reached during the summit are expected to be documented in a final official document, outlining the future roadmap for the BRICS alliance.