BRICS Summit 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is holding a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi ahead of the BRICS Summit. The two leaders are expected to discuss key areas including trade, energy and Defense during their meeting.
The meeting began on a warm note, with Prime Minister Modi and President Putin shaking hands and embracing each other at Bharat Mandapam.
PM Modi Gifts Russian Edition of Tirukkural to Putin
During the meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted President Vladimir Putin a Russian edition of Tirukkural, the celebrated work of Tamil saint and poet Thiruvalluvar.
While presenting the book, PM Modi explained that Tirukkural could play an important role in strengthening cultural ties between India and Russia. The ancient work explores several aspects of human life and is regarded as one of the most important works of Tamil literature.
Tirukkural: One of Tamil Literature’s Most Famous Works
Tirukkural is considered one of the greatest and most widely known works of Tamil literature. It is also popularly referred to as the “Tamil Veda.”
The work is believed to have been written around 2,000 years ago and contains teachings and observations covering various aspects of human life, ethics and society.
Key Issues on the Modi-Putin Bilateral Meeting Agenda
Several areas of economic and strategic cooperation are expected to feature prominently in the discussions between the two leaders.
- Bilateral trade target: India and Russia are working towards a bilateral trade target of $100 billion by 2030.
- Industrial cooperation: Expanding industrial cooperation with Russia through INNOPROM.
- Railways and tunnelling: Increasing cooperation in the railway sector and tunnelling.
- Steel value chain: Developing the steel value chain and creating more B2B opportunities to improve access to the Russian market.
- Civil nuclear cooperation: Strengthening cooperation in the civil nuclear sector, including fuel-cycle and life-cycle support.
- Mobility and skilled workers: Expanding cooperation in mobility and increasing the number of skilled Indian workers in Russia.
- Critical minerals: Enhancing cooperation in critical minerals.
- Fertiliser sector: Continuing and expanding cooperation in fertilisers through strategic joint venture (JV) projects.
BRICS Summit Comes Amid Global Economic Uncertainty
The BRICS Summit in New Delhi is taking place against the backdrop of significant global economic and geopolitical challenges.
The global economy is facing the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war, the crisis in West Asia, including the situation around the Strait of Hormuz, as well as the effects of trade and tariff policies introduced by the Trump administration.
Against this backdrop, India’s BRICS presidency is being seen as significant, particularly amid geopolitical uncertainty and climate-related challenges.
What Is BRICS?
BRICS currently has 11 member countries: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Together, these countries account for approximately 49.5% of the world’s population, around 40% of global GDP and about 26% of global trade.
With India holding the BRICS presidency, New Delhi is placing emphasis on advancing the interests of the Global South and pushing for reforms in global institutions.
