Putin Meets Modi Ahead of BRICS Summit; Energy, Defence Ties on Agenda
· World · Times of India, Zee News
President Vladimir Putin will hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday on the sidelines of India-hosted BRICS summit in the first overseas BRICS participation since the Russia-Ukraine war began in Feb 2022. The Kremlin said India's Russian oil imports are at record highs and both countries share similar positions on resolving the Ukraine conflict through peaceful means. Defence cooperation, including the delivery of S-400 Triumf air defence systems in 2026 and possible Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jet sales, features on the agenda. The US has imposed 100% tariffs on nations importing Russian oil, which Russia called an illegal and unacceptable move, while also exploring cooperation on rare earths with India. China's President Xi Jinping is likely to attend the Sept 12-13 summit and hold a bilateral meeting with Modi.
Why it matters
India balances energy dependence on discounted Russian oil against US pressure, shaping its strategic autonomy as BRICS pushes for a multipolar order. Defence deals and rare-earth cooperation deepen Moscow's ties with New Delhi, directly affecting India's security partnerships and US-India defence coordination.
Read the original report — Times of India
Join us on Telegram
Breaking news the moment it lands. At 10,000 members we ship the Android app.