Putin, Modi to meet Friday ahead of BRICS Summit in New Delhi

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin are scheduled to hold bilateral talks in New Delhi on Friday ahead of the BRICS Summit.

The meeting is expected to cover a range of bilateral and international issues, with defence cooperation, energy, trade and other areas of strategic partnership likely to feature in the discussions.

The meeting comes as India and Russia continue to maintain longstanding relations across several sectors. Defence cooperation remains an important part of the relationship, while energy, nuclear cooperation and trade have also emerged as significant areas of engagement.

The two leaders are also expected to discuss developments in the international environment and issues of mutual interest.

Putin’s visit comes ahead of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, where leaders of member countries are expected to discuss economic cooperation, development priorities and wider international issues.

BRICS has continued to expand its role as a platform for dialogue among major emerging economies. India has been emphasising cooperation among member countries on areas including trade, investment, technology, energy and development.

The Modi-Putin meeting will therefore take place against the wider backdrop of India’s engagement with BRICS partners and its bilateral relations with Russia.

Officials are expected to finalise the details of the leaders’ programme ahead of the visit.

The meeting is also expected to provide an opportunity for both sides to review progress in existing areas of cooperation and identify areas where bilateral engagement can be strengthened.

The talks will be closely watched for their focus on economic and strategic cooperation as India and Russia continue to maintain regular high-level engagement.