NEW DELHI, Sept. 9, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to hold bilateral talks in New Delhi on Sept. 11, a day before the BRICS summit. The meeting is expected to cover defence, trade, energy, nuclear cooperation and technology, with major defence deals likely to feature prominently in the discussions.
The S-400 air defence system is expected to be among the key issues. India had contracted Russia for five S-400 systems and has already received three. The remaining two systems are expected to be delivered by the end of this year. The leaders are likely to review the delivery schedule as well as India’s future air defence requirements and broader defence cooperation.
Another major focus could be Russia’s Su-57 fifth-generation stealth fighter. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said the sale of Su-57 aircraft to India is part of the discussions. India, however, is understood to be interested not only in acquiring the aircraft but also in technology transfer and greater domestic manufacturing capabilities. Such cooperation could align with New Delhi’s broader push for indigenous defence production.
The two sides are also expected to discuss further development of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, a flagship example of India-Russia defence cooperation. According to Peskov, discussions include adding new capabilities and features to enhance the missile’s performance. Beyond defence procurement, Modi and Putin are likely to address bilateral trade and investment, nuclear energy cooperation and exploration of critical minerals, reflecting efforts to expand the relationship into joint manufacturing, technology partnerships and strategic investments. The BRICS summit is scheduled to be held in New Delhi on Sept. 12-13.
