A high-stakes bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled in New Delhi on Friday, on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit being hosted by India.
While the summit is the official occasion, the focus has shifted sharply to the state of India-Russia ties. Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov, in a virtual briefing ahead of the visit, has outlined a substantive agenda for the meeting.
Why This Meeting Matters
The Delhi meeting on September 11 will be the second face-to-face between Modi and Putin in less than two weeks, after their meeting on August 31 in Bishkek on the margins of the SCO Summit. Coming just ahead of the BRICS Leaders’ Summit, it is expected to set the tone for the next phase of the strategic partnership.
Su-57: The Big-Ticket Defence Item
The most watched item on the table will be the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet.
For the first time, Moscow has confirmed that the sale of Su-57 to India is formally on the agenda for the Modi-Putin talks.
Peskov said Russia considers the Su-57 among the world’s most advanced fighter platforms. Crucially, he added that discussions go beyond an outright purchase.
Moscow is examining the possibility of sharing technology and production know-how with India. While acknowledging that every country seeks to protect its cutting-edge technology, Peskov said Russia is exploring tech-transfer options with India given the depth of the bilateral relationship.
He cited the BrahMos joint venture as a model, noting that both sides should now work on making the system even more competitive and advanced.
Beyond Su-57: Nuclear, S-400 and Trade
1. Nuclear Energy: Peskov said Russia is looking forward to discussions on setting up new nuclear power plants in India, indicating that ground could be cleared for major new civil nuclear projects.
2. Defence Deliveries: The meeting will also review existing commitments, including the pending deliveries of the S-400 air defence system and other joint production projects.
3. Economy and Payments: Trade and investment will be a key pillar. Both sides will discuss expanding the presence of Indian companies in Russia and Russian companies in India.
On BRICS payments, Peskov clarified that Russia does not see “de-dollarisation” as an end in itself, but is open to using diverse, mutually acceptable payment mechanisms for trade settlement.
Ukraine, US Tariff Threat, and Indians in Russian Army
The Ukraine conflict will figure prominently. According to Peskov, Moscow largely aligns with New Delhi’s position that the war must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. President Putin is expected to brief PM Modi on the ground situation and frontline developments, with PM Modi’s message that “this is not an era of war” forming part of the discussion.
On the sensitive issue of Indian nationals recruited into the Russian Army, Peskov said Moscow is treating India’s concerns with utmost seriousness. The identification process is underway and a list is being compiled. Those identified will be repatriated to India at the earliest.
On US pressure over Russian oil and Washington’s proposal for a 100% tariff on buyers of Russian crude, Peskov termed the move “illegal and unacceptable.”
What to Watch
Friday’s meeting is unlikely to be ceremonial. Three clear indicators will define its outcome: progress on the Su-57 with technology transfer, a breakthrough on new nuclear power projects, and a concrete package on trade and energy cooperation.
Whether big-ticket announcements come on Friday or later, the Modi-Putin bilateral on the eve of BRICS could chart the roadmap for the next chapter of India-Russia bilateral relationship official termed as “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership”.