BRICS Summit 2026: Russian President Vladimir Putin Touches Down in New Delhi; High-Stakes Bilateral Talks with PM Modi Scheduled Today

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi late Thursday night to attend the BRICS Summit hosted by India. The aircraft carrying the Russian leader touched down at the capital's airport at approximately 3:00 AM. Upon arrival, President Putin was given a warm welcome by Union Minister of State for External Affairs K.V. Singh. Following a formal red-carpet reception and a Guard of Honour, the president’s convoy departed from the airport for the Maurya Sheraton Hotel in Delhi, where he will be staying during the official visit. This visit marks a significant geopolitical development, as it is the first time President Putin is attending a BRICS summit in person outside Russia since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in February 2022. Ahead of the formal proceedings of the summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Putin are scheduled to hold a high-level bilateral meeting today. Discussions between the two leaders are anticipated to center around major strategic defense partnerships, including potential deals for Su-57 fifth-generation fighter aircraft and the upgraded BrahMos missile systems. Russia has previously offered India the acquisition of Su-57 fighter jets along with provisions for local manufacturing within the country and necessary technology transfer. India’s strategic focus remains centered on securing advanced manufacturing technologies that can be integrated into the domestic development of its own indigenous fighter aircraft programs in the future.