Putin arrived in New Delhi Friday before BRICS talks set for Sept. 12-13.
Why it matters: The summit will show how India manages ties with Russia, Iran and Western partners at the same time. Any signals on trade, defense or wartime alignment will be watched by governments and markets.
- Putin arrived in New Delhi on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, before the summit.
- The BRICS leaders' summit runs Sept. 12-13 in New Delhi.
- Putin is expected to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines.
- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is also expected to meet Modi.
Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on Friday ahead of the BRICS summit, which is scheduled for Sept. 12-13, according to AP and Al Jazeera. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi would hold bilateral talks on Friday.
Al Jazeera reported that Putin is expected to meet Modi on the sidelines of the summit. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is also expected to meet Modi, bringing the Iran-Israel war into the New Delhi meeting.
AP reported that India has kept close ties with Moscow, including through energy and defense links, while also deepening strategic ties with Washington. India’s foreign ministry says the relationship with Russia remains active, including maritime and naval consultations in November 2025 and continued high-level contacts.
AP said BRICS now includes 11 countries and represents about half the world’s population. The expanded membership gives the summit added weight as leaders gather in India.
By the numbers
- Sept. 12-13 - Dates for the BRICS leaders' summit in New Delhi.
- 11 countries - AP says BRICS now includes 11 members.
- About half the world's population - AP's estimate of BRICS' share.
Yes, but: The summit is expected to feature multiple bilateral meetings, but the dossier does not confirm the full substance of any leader-to-leader talks.
What's next: The BRICS summit runs Sept. 12-13 in New Delhi, with Putin-Modi talks expected Friday and additional bilateral meetings likely during the event.