Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi on Friday, September 11, ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit, as India prepares to host leaders amid major geopolitical tensions surrounding the wars in Iran and Ukraine. Putin’s visit comes at a time when the expanded BRICS grouping is facing growing differences among its members over international conflicts and the future direction of the bloc.
Putin’s arrival also set the stage for talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with trade, energy, defence and wider strategic cooperation expected to feature prominently. The two leaders held discussions in New Delhi on Friday, with India reiterating its position that the Ukraine conflict should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.
The BRICS summit, scheduled for September 12 and 13, comes against the backdrop of continuing conflict in Ukraine and the escalating war involving Iran. The Middle East crisis is particularly sensitive for the grouping because Iran is now a BRICS member, while other members have different positions and interests in the conflict. The divisions could make it difficult for the bloc to agree on a strong common position in its final declaration.
The conflict involving Iran has also created significant economic concerns for BRICS countries. Disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz have affected energy supplies and pushed crude oil prices above $100 a barrel, increasing pressure on major energy-importing economies. The situation has highlighted the vulnerability of global trade and energy markets to geopolitical tensions.
The Ukraine war presents another challenge for BRICS unity. Russia remains a central player in the conflict, while India and China have maintained close relations with Moscow but have also called for dialogue and a diplomatic resolution. India’s position reflects its effort to maintain strategic ties with Russia while simultaneously strengthening relations with the United States and other Western countries.
For India, Putin’s visit carries particular importance because of the long-standing strategic relationship between New Delhi and Moscow. The two sides are expected to explore cooperation in areas including energy, civil nuclear power, defence, fertilisers, manufacturing, railways, steel and critical minerals. Russia continues to be an important source of crude oil for India, with Russian supplies accounting for a record share of Indian crude imports in July 2026.
The summit will also bring together Chinese President Xi Jinping and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, adding further weight to discussions on global security and the changing international order. BRICS has expanded to 11 members and now represents nearly half of the world’s population, giving the grouping greater economic and geopolitical significance but also exposing deeper differences among its members.
Beyond the immediate conflicts, BRICS leaders are expected to discuss economic cooperation, alternative payment mechanisms and efforts to reduce dependence on the US dollar. India is also pushing initiatives aimed at strengthening trade, innovation and global supply-chain cooperation, reflecting its attempt to keep the summit focused on development despite the geopolitical tensions surrounding it.
Putin’s presence in New Delhi therefore comes at a crucial moment for both India-Russia relations and the wider BRICS grouping. While the summit offers an opportunity for emerging powers to demonstrate greater coordination on global affairs, disagreements over Iran, Ukraine and relations with the West could test the bloc’s ability to present a united front.
