NEW DELHI (Diya TV) — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin met Friday in New Delhi, discussing trade, energy, defense and regional conflicts ahead of the BRICS leaders’ summit.
The meeting was their second this year. Modi and Putin previously met Aug. 31 on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
According to India’s Prime Minister’s Office, the leaders reviewed cooperation in economic relations, defense, energy, space, skilled-worker mobility and people-to-people ties. They also discussed conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region and their effects on maritime trade and Indian seafarers.
Modi reiterated India’s position that conflicts should be addressed through dialogue and diplomacy and said New Delhi was prepared to support peace efforts.
Energy remains a major component of bilateral trade. Russia accounted for about 50.8% of India’s crude oil imports in July, a record share, as disruptions to Middle Eastern supplies increased Indian demand for Russian crude.
India and Russia have set a target of exceeding $100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. Trade between the two countries totaled nearly $70 billion in the 2024-25 period, according to Reuters.
Modi and Putin also visited INNOPROM India, a Russian industrial exhibition held in India for the first time from Sept. 9-11. Both governments said the event was intended to expand industrial and commercial ties.
The two leaders agreed to continue cooperation under what their governments officially call the India-Russia “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.” Putin also invited Modi to Russia for the 24th India-Russia Annual Summit. Modi accepted, with dates to be determined through diplomatic channels.
India will host the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi on Sept. 12-13.
