PM Modi To Meet Putin Ahead Of BRICS Summit As Delhi Prepares For Global Leaders

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold a bilateral meeting on Friday ahead of the BRICS Summit, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said, as Delhi steps up security and traffic arrangements for the major diplomatic gathering.

The meeting will be the second between Modi and Putin in a matter of weeks. The two leaders met last month on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, where Modi told Putin that it was time to end the “endless” war in Ukraine.

Peskov said Friday's talks will cover developmental issues and bilateral cooperation in areas including security, counterterrorism, drugs and space. The proposed sale of Russia's Su-57 fighter jets to India will also be discussed, with Moscow willing to consider India's request for technology transfer.

The meeting comes just days after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Ukraine and Russia. Jaishankar said India was exploring ideas that could contribute to mitigating and ideally ending the Ukraine conflict, while reiterating India's readiness to provide “any help in any manner” to support peace efforts.

The BRICS Summit is scheduled for September 11 to 13 at Bharat Mandapam in Pragati Maidan. Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian are among the leaders expected in Delhi. Presidents from South Africa, Egypt, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Indonesia are also expected, while Malaysia, Thailand and Ethiopia are likely to send their prime ministers. Cuba, Nigeria and Uzbekistan are expected to be represented by their presidents. Brazil's Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is unlikely to attend and may send Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira.

The summit is expected to focus on trade, development financing and global institutional reform, while conflicts in West Asia and Iran-UAE differences could also feature prominently.

Meanwhile, Delhi Traffic Police has issued an advisory asking commuters to plan journeys in advance amid heightened security arrangements and motorcade rehearsals. More than 35 roads have already seen diversions or regulated movement at various points. Commuters have been advised to check affected roads, diversion points, alternative routes and airport connectivity, keep extra travel time and consider the Metro to avoid congestion.

The diplomatic gathering has also triggered a sharp rise in accommodation costs. Five-star hotel rates in New Delhi have reportedly reached up to Rs 2.4 lakh per night, while ixigo and Cleartrip have recorded a 50 per cent rise in searches for luxury properties. Room rates have doubled week-on-week in several categories, with some five-star suites starting at nearly Rs 1 lakh and premium inventory reportedly sold out.

Peskov said BRICS has evolved into a bloc rather than merely an organisation, with cooperation based on mutual trust, respect and benefit. He also said the grouping represents a global majority seeking a more equal international order.