Modi and Putin Hold Bilateral Talks Ahead of 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a significant bilateral meeting in New Delhi on Friday, ahead of the commencement of the major international diplomatic gathering. The high-level discussions between the two leaders took place immediately after the Russian president arrived in India to participate in the ongoing diplomatic events.

During their face-to-face deliberations in the Indian capital, Prime Minister Modi and President Putin engaged in comprehensive discussions covering a wide array of vital bilateral issues. According to the available details, the extensive talks specifically focused on strengthening cooperation in the critical sectors of defense, international trade, and energy.

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in India on Friday to attend the high-profile summit proceedings. This official visit is particularly notable as it marks the first time Putin has participated in person at a BRICS summit held outside of Russia since Moscow initiated its full-scale military campaign in Ukraine back in the year 2022.

The current diplomatic gathering represents the prestigious 18th BRICS summit, which has now grown significantly in scale and global representation. The influential international bloc currently encompasses a total of eleven official member countries, alongside an additional ten designated partner nations participating within the cooperative framework.

Furthermore, this year's diplomatic proceedings highlight India's prominent leadership role on the international stage. India is currently serving as the host nation for the BRICS summit for the fourth time, taking up the official presidency and guiding the multi-lateral discussions among the participating world leaders in New Delhi.