Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in India on Friday, September 11, 2026, ahead of the BRICS Summit 2026, where he is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit marks Putin’s first overseas participation in a BRICS summit since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. During his visit, Putin is expected to hold bilateral talks with Modi and participate in a series of meetings with other BRICS leaders, including Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The summit, hosted by India, will bring together leaders from 11 nations, including Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates. Discussions are expected to focus on strengthening intra-BRICS cooperation, addressing global and regional challenges, and exploring economic collaboration. The summit will take place over two days, with the opening session scheduled for Friday afternoon at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

Putin’s visit comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions, including the Russia-Ukraine war, the West Asia crisis, and the Trump administration’s trade policies. India and Russia are seeking to deepen economic ties despite Western sanctions on Russian trade. Russian presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that the two leaders are exploring cooperation in rare earths and the possible sale of Sukhoi Su-57 stealth fighter jets to India. Union civil aviation minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu also confirmed that India and Russia have stepped up talks on manufacturing aircraft in India, including the IL-114 turboprop and Sukhoi Superjet 100.

The summit will also address divisions within the BRICS bloc over conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. India, as the 2026 chair, is positioning the bloc as a key player in navigating a fragmented global geopolitical landscape. Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of the summit in his post on X, stating that the conference will feature positive and meaningful discussions on various issues with aspirations for global welfare.

Delhi has been placed on high alert with tight security and temporary traffic restrictions as the summit approaches. Over 15,000 Delhi Police personnel, 200 paramilitary companies, and more than 500 CCTV cameras will be deployed to ensure the safety of visiting dignitaries. Traffic will be affected on several key roads, including Mathura Road, Sardar Patel Marg, and Janpath, with commuters advised to expect temporary stoppages and diversions.

The summit represents a significant diplomatic and economic opportunity for India and its BRICS partners, with discussions expected to shape the future of global cooperation and resilience in a volatile international environment.