Putin arrives in India: New aircraft deals, BRICS talks and Modi meeting in focus

Sharing images of Putin's arrival in India, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X: "Warmly welcome President Vladimir Putin of Russia for the 18th BRICS Summit. He was received by MoS KVSinghMPGonda at the airport."

He added: "India and Russia share multifaceted and longstanding ties anchored in Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership."

Putin's visit comes at a time when India and Russia are seeking to deepen cooperation in the civil aviation sector, with discussions expanding around the possibility of manufacturing Russian aircraft in India, Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu said on Thursday.

Also Read: India, Russia step up talks to make IL-114, Sukhoi superjet in India

The proposed plans include the Ilyushin IL-114 and Sukhoi Superjet 100 (SJ-100), both of which India sees as potentially suitable for strengthening regional air connectivity.

Russia eyes bigger role in India's civil aviation sector

The discussions are part of Russia's efforts to expand aerospace cooperation with India beyond their traditional defence partnership.

Potential arrangements could also involve the delivery of up to 105 regional turboprop aircraft to Indian operators, including Pinnacle Air, Air Kerala and Sleek Aviation.

Also Read: Modi, Putin hold key talks in Bishkek, reaffirm strong India-Russia partnership

Russia recently showcased its SJ-100, MC-21 and IL-114-300 aircraft at the Innoprom event in Delhi, highlighting Moscow's growing interest in India's expanding regional aviation market.

The proposed cooperation could mark a broader push by India and Russia to expand ties in civil aviation, aircraft manufacturing and regional connectivity.

India to host 18th BRICS Summit

Under its 2026 presidency, India is set to host the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13.

It will be India's fourth BRICS chairship. India's 2026 chairship is guided by the theme, "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability."

BRICS currently comprises 11 countries — Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the UAE.

Collectively, the grouping represents around 49.5% of the world's population, 40% of global GDP and 26% of global trade.

Modi-Putin meeting in Bishkek

During their first meeting of the year, Modi and Putin reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation across several areas, including political, economic, defence, energy, space, mobility and people-to-people ties.

The two leaders also exchanged views on India-Russia engagement in the multilateral arena, particularly within BRICS under India's 2026 chairship.

They discussed key regional and global issues of mutual interest, including the conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region, which have affected maritime trade and the safety and security of Indian seafarers.

Prime Minister Modi reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy were the way forward in resolving conflicts.

The two leaders agreed to remain engaged to further strengthen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia, which continues to expand and has demonstrated resilience amid geopolitical uncertainties.