Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit India to participate in the 18th BRICS Summit, marking a significant moment in the diplomatic relations between the two nations. The summit is slated to take place on September 12 and 13, 2026, in New Delhi at the prestigious Bharat Mandapam. This visit underscores the strengthening ties between Moscow and New Delhi, as both leaders prepare to engage in high-level discussions on a wide range of global and bilateral issues.
Confirmation from the Kremlin
The announcement of President Putin's visit was made by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov during a virtual interaction with Indian journalists on Tuesday. Peskov confirmed that the Russian leader would be present for the 18th BRICS Summit, which India is hosting. He expressed his best wishes to India for the successful organization of the summit and noted that the visit provides a vital opportunity for both countries to deliberate on pressing bilateral matters. This confirmation follows a previous interaction between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Putin on August 31 during the SCO Summit held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
Bilateral Meeting with Prime Minister Modi
A key highlight of the visit will be the bilateral meeting between President Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, scheduled for Friday, September 11, just ahead of the main summit. Speaking from Moscow via a virtual briefing, Peskov emphasized the depth of the relationship between the two leaders. He stated that the Indian and Russian leaders maintain very close personal contact, describing their relationship as highly pragmatic and honest, while this level of trust allows them to discuss the most sensitive issues on their agenda and bilateral relations in an open and constructive manner. Peskov noted that such transparency is instrumental in opening new avenues for cooperation between the two strategic partners.
Potential Su-57 Fighter Jet Deal and Economic Cooperation
The agenda for the bilateral talks is expected to be comprehensive, covering trade, economic cooperation, and defense. One of the most significant topics of discussion mentioned by Peskov is the possibility of Russia selling its advanced Su-57 fighter jets to India. While the Indian government has not yet issued an official response to these statements, the potential for such a high-profile defense deal remains a point of great interest. On top of that, the leaders are expected to explore further avenues for economic collaboration to bolster trade volumes between the two countries.
Reaction to US Tariff Proposals
During the briefing, Dmitry Peskov also addressed international economic pressures, specifically criticizing a proposed US plan to impose a 100 percent tariff on countries that purchase Russian crude oil. The Kremlin spokesperson labeled this move as illegal and unacceptable, reflecting Russia's stance against unilateral economic sanctions and trade barriers imposed by Western nations. This issue is likely to be a point of discussion within the BRICS framework, as the group often discusses economic sovereignty and the development of alternative financial systems.
The Significance of the 18th BRICS Summit
India's hosting of the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12 and 13, 2026, is a landmark event for the intergovernmental forum comprising major emerging market economies and developing nations. India assumed the BRICS presidency on January 1 this year, marking its fourth time at the helm of the group. The year 2026 is particularly significant as it marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of BRICS. Peskov reiterated Russia's commitment to developing BRICS cooperation across its three main pillars: policy and security, economy and finance, and cultural and humanitarian contexts. He also mentioned Russia's support for the idea of inviting new countries to join various BRICS formats, reflecting the group's expanding global influence.
Evolution of the BRICS Alliance
The BRICS alliance has come a long way since its inception. It began as the BRIC coalition, consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, and China. The first meeting of their foreign ministers took place in 2006 during the UN General Assembly in New York. The group held its first formal summit in 2009 in Yekaterinburg, Russia. The alliance expanded to become BRICS in 2011 with the inclusion of South Africa. Over the past two decades, the forum has evolved into a powerful platform for the Global South, advocating for a multipolar world order and enhanced cooperation among developing economies.