• Source:JND
HighLights
  1. PM Modi, Putin met ahead of BRICS 2026 summit in New Delhi.
  2. Discussed USD 100 billion trade target, defence, energy cooperation.
  3. PM Modi presented Russian President Putin with Thirukkural book.

BRICS summit 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is on a three-day visit to India to participate in the BRICS summit 2026 in New Delhi. Both leaders discussed enhancing annual bilateral trade to USD 100 billion by 2030 and further strengthening cooperation in defence, energy and critical minerals.

"The leaders reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation in sectors including trade, energy, defence, space and people-to-people ties, which remain key focus areas of the enduring India-Russia partnership. They also exchanged views on issues of mutual interest in the regional and global sphere, including conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region. PM reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy remain the way forward in resolving conflicts and India stands ready to assist in peace efforts," MEA said after the meeting in an X post.

PM Modi Presents A Book To Putin

PM Modi welcomed Putin at the Bharat Mandapam. Both leaders shook hands and hugged each other. PM Modi presented the Russian President with a Russian edition of the Thirukkural, a book by the Tamil saint and poet Thiruvalluvar. While presenting the Thirukkural book to Putin, PM Modi said that this book will play an important role in enhancing our cultural ties. PM Modi is seen explaining the significance of the book to Putin in a video.

"Presented President Putin with a Russian translation of the Thirukkural, which carries the eternal wisdom of the great Thiruvalluvar across languages and borders," PM Modi shared a video clip on X.

Thirukkural: One Of The Most Famous Works Of Tamil Literature

The Thirukkural is one of the greatest and most famous works of Tamil literature. It is also known as the Tamil Veda. It was written approximately 2000 years ago. Saint Thiruvalluvar described many aspects of human life in this book.

According to government sources, the probable points for discussion are:

- Ambitious trade target: Bilateral trade target of USD 100 billion by 2030.

- INNOPROM in India: Expanding Industrial cooperation with Russia; Collaboration in the rail sector and tunnelling; developing the steel value chain; More B2B opportunities; Broadening access to the Russian Market.

- Strengthening Civil Nuclear Cooperation, including fuel cycle and life cycle support.

- Increasing Cooperation in Mobility: Increasing Indian skilled labour to Russia.

- Cooperation in Critical Minerals.

- Sustaining and increasing cooperation in Fertilisers, through strategic JV projects.

Earlier in the day, Putin landed in New Delhi to participate in the BRICS summit. The two leaders are also expected to delve into expanding the already strong defence cooperation.

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Eyes On Defence Deals

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Tuesday said both sides are also exploring BrahMos missile upgrades, and that Moscow remains committed to fulfilling its remaining S-400 system deliveries and discussing the proposed supply of Su-57 fighter jets.

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The Russian official said the energy ties between the t­wo countries remained robust and that both sides are looking at holding negotiations for India's plan to set up new civil nuclear reactors.

PM Modi and Putin previously met on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Bishkek last week, where the prime minister called for an immediate end to the conflict and urged the Russian leader to shift from an "endless war towards the end of war".

(With PTI Inputs)


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