Modi, Putin hold talks in New Delhi on trade, defence - Reuters

**Modi, Putin Hold Bilateral Talks in New Delhi Focused on Trade and Defence** *New Delhi, Sept 11 2026* – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin to New Delhi for a high‑level meeting a day before the opening of the BRICS summit, which India is hosting for the first time. The two leaders exchanged views on expanding bilateral trade, deepening defence cooperation and addressing the safety of Indian nationals working in the volatile Black Sea region. The encounter, attended by senior ministers from both capitals, underscored the enduring strategic partnership between New Delhi and Moscow despite the shifting geopolitical landscape.

During the talks, Modi highlighted India’s interest in diversifying its energy imports and boosting high‑technology exchange, while Putin reiterated Russia’s willingness to supply oil, gas and defence equipment on mutually beneficial terms. A joint statement announced the launch of a “Strategic Partnership Roadmap” that will streamline procurement processes for military hardware, including joint development of unmanned aerial systems and naval platforms. In response to recent incidents affecting Indian workers in the Black Sea, Putin pledged “enhanced security coordination” and assured that Russian diplomatic channels would monitor the situation closely.

The meeting also carried broader symbolic weight. In a separate press conference, Putin delivered a pointed critique of the G7, claiming the group contributes only a fraction of global output compared with the BRICS bloc, which he said now accounts for roughly 40 % of world GDP. The Russian leader arrived in India aboard the specially outfitted “Flying Kremlin” – a state‑of‑the‑art aircraft equipped for long‑range diplomatic missions – drawing media attention to Russia’s emphasis on high‑profile logistics for its foreign outreach. Analysts view the dialogue as an effort by both capitals to project a united front on economic and security matters ahead of the summit, while also navigating the complexities of the Ukraine conflict and the broader contest between Western and emerging powers.