Politics · India Bureau
Putin arrives in New Delhi for BRICS summit amid geopolitical tensions
Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in India for a three-day visit centred on the BRICS summit, marking his first in-person participation in the bloc's annual gathering since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The visit will include bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to strengthen trade, investment and energy ties.
LSN India ·
Putin touched down in New Delhi on Friday accompanied by a high-level delegation, underscoring Moscow's commitment to the BRICS grouping despite international isolation over the Ukraine conflict. The visit represents a significant diplomatic moment as the Russian leader engages with fellow BRICS members at a time of heightened global economic uncertainty.
The two-day BRICS summit, which opens Saturday under India's presidency, is expected to emphasise collective resilience across critical areas including food security, energy cooperation, healthcare, disaster management and supply chain stability. New Delhi has positioned the gathering as an opportunity for the bloc to function as a stabilising force amid fragmentation in the international order.
The summit convenes against a backdrop of considerable global economic headwinds, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, escalating tensions in West Asia, and trade uncertainty stemming from the United States administration's tariff policies. Other major BRICS members, including China and Iran, are also participating in the gathering.
The bilateral meetings between Putin and Modi are expected to explore deepening cooperation in energy, trade and investment sectors, areas where Russia and India have historically maintained strong partnerships. The talks will likely focus on maintaining economic collaboration despite geopolitical pressures facing both nations.