By Team INVC | INVC NEWS
NEW DELHI, India | September 11, 2026 —
BRICS Summit 2026 entered a high-stakes phase on Friday as Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi ahead of the leaders’ meeting scheduled for September 12 and 13.
Putin reached India a day before the main summit sessions and was received by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh.
His visit is expected to include a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with defence, energy, trade and strategic cooperation likely to feature prominently in the talks.
The visit is drawing added attention because India and Russia are discussing several defence cooperation areas, including fighter aircraft, missile systems and military technology.
However, no final agreement on a Su-57 fighter jet deal or an upgraded BrahMos missile package has been officially announced so far.
Putin Arrives Ahead of BRICS Summit
Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on September 11 for the 18th BRICS Summit.
The summit begins on September 12 at Bharat Mandapam and continues through September 13.
India is hosting the meeting as BRICS chair for 2026.
The grouping now includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
The summit comes at a sensitive geopolitical moment.
West Asia tensions, energy prices, global trade disruptions and growing competition between major powers are expected to dominate discussions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Putin Set for Bilateral Talks
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Putin are expected to hold bilateral discussions during the visit.
The two leaders met recently on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Bishkek.
During that meeting, they reviewed cooperation in defence, energy, trade, space and mobility.
They also agreed to continue strengthening the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.
The BRICS meeting gives both sides another opportunity to discuss strategic issues in greater detail.
Defence cooperation is expected to be one of the key areas of interest.
Su-57 Fighter Jet Talks Draw Attention
One of the biggest defence questions surrounding the visit is whether India and Russia will move forward on the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter aircraft.
Russia has repeatedly promoted the Su-57 for export.
India, meanwhile, continues to evaluate its future fighter requirements.
The Indian Air Force needs to modernize its combat fleet and increase squadron strength.
That makes fifth-generation fighter options strategically important.
However, there is no official confirmation that India will sign a Su-57 purchase agreement during the BRICS Summit.
Any major fighter deal would require detailed negotiations involving cost, technology transfer, weapons integration, maintenance and local production.
BrahMos Cooperation Could Expand
BrahMos is another major area of India-Russia defence cooperation.
The supersonic cruise missile is produced through a joint venture between India and Russia.
Both countries have continued to work on newer variants and extended-range capabilities.
An upgraded BrahMos system could therefore become part of broader defence discussions.
Still, no formal agreement tied specifically to Putin’s current visit has been announced.
That distinction matters.
A defence discussion is not the same as a signed deal.
India-Russia Defence Partnership Remains Strong
India and Russia have maintained defence ties for decades.
Russian-origin platforms continue to form a significant part of India’s military inventory.
The partnership covers aircraft, tanks, submarines, missiles and air-defence systems.
India also operates the Russian-built S-400 air-defence system.
At the same time, India has diversified defence procurement.
New Delhi now buys equipment from the United States, France, Israel and other countries.
It has also expanded domestic defence manufacturing under the Make in India program.
This means future India-Russia defence deals are likely to face greater scrutiny over local production and technology transfer.
BRICS Summit Comes Amid Iran War Tensions
The geopolitical backdrop makes this summit especially important.
BRICS member Iran is involved in a major regional conflict.
The crisis has affected oil markets and shipping routes.
It has also created differences inside BRICS.
Iran and the UAE have been on opposing sides of recent regional tensions.
That could make it difficult for member countries to agree on strong common language in the summit declaration.
India will therefore have to balance several competing positions.
China Factor Adds Another Strategic Layer
Chinese President Xi Jinping is also expected in New Delhi.
His visit is drawing attention because India-China relations have improved in some areas after years of tension.
However, distrust remains.
Border security, investment restrictions and technology access continue to complicate ties.
A Modi-Xi meeting could become one of the summit’s most closely watched bilateral engagements.
Putin’s presence adds another layer.
India maintains close strategic ties with Russia while also managing a complex relationship with China.
BRICS Digital Currency Link on the Table
India is also expected to push economic initiatives during the summit.
One proposal involves linking central bank digital currencies across BRICS members.
The goal is to make cross-border payments easier and faster.
India has said the proposal is not aimed at replacing the U.S. dollar.
However, technical and political differences between members remain significant.
Startup and Supply-Chain Cooperation Also in Focus
BRICS leaders are expected to discuss several economic initiatives.
These include a BRICS Incubator Network.
A proposed Startup Innovation Fund is also under discussion.
Member countries are also working on a logistics and supply-chain cooperation framework.
These proposals are designed to improve resilience and reduce trade disruptions.
Delhi Under Tight Security
Security has been significantly increased across New Delhi.
Around 30,000 security personnel have reportedly been deployed.
Special arrangements have been made for Putin, Xi Jinping and other visiting leaders.
Hotels in Chanakyapuri are under heightened security.
Convoy routes and Bharat Mandapam have also received additional protection.
What to Watch Next
The biggest questions now are whether India and Russia announce any major defence or energy agreements.
A confirmed Su-57 agreement would represent a major shift in India’s fighter acquisition strategy.
A new BrahMos package would also deepen an already important joint defence program.
For now, however, both remain areas to watch rather than confirmed outcomes.
Putin’s arrival has already elevated the diplomatic importance of the summit.
The next 48 hours could determine whether the visit produces symbolic political messaging or major strategic agreements.
