End war in Ukraine, says Modi as he meets Putin during bilateral meeting ahead of BRICS summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin shake hands during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS 2026 Summit in New Delhi on September 11, 2026. Photo: @MEAIndia X/ANI Photo

Russian President Vladimir Putin, the first foreign dignitary to arrive in New Delhi for the BRICS summit, held a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (September 11, 2026) and reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations. Mr. Modi reiterated that “India is ready to help in peace efforts”.

“During today’s meeting we discussed: closer trade ties, including the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Economic Cooperation. Cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, energy, technology, defence, culture and others,” PM Modi said in his remarks.

BRICS 2026 Summit Update 11 September

Sources said the two sides discussed steps to increase the bilateral trade target to $100 billion by 2030 and civil nuclear cooperation projects. Mr Modi reiterated his call for an end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has been going on for more than four-and-a-half years.

“The two leaders reviewed progress in bilateral cooperation in political, economic, defense, energy, space, qualification and people-to-people,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said after the meeting. The two leaders exchanged views on the conflict in West Asia and the side effects of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict in the Black Sea region affecting Indian sailors. Several Indian sailors have been killed in attacks by Russian and Ukrainian forces on foreign-flagged vessels.

“The Prime Minister reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy are the way forward for conflict resolution and India stands ready to assist in peace efforts,” the ministry said in a press release. President Putin invited Prime Minister Modi to the 24th India-Russia Annual Summit, which India accepted. The dates of the summit will be decided according to “mutual convenience” after diplomatic consultations.

The talks featured ways to expand industrial cooperation with Russia, rail and tunneling cooperation, development of the steel value chain and more business-to-business opportunities. Russia increases job opportunities for Indian workers and cooperation in skilled labor mobility.

Against the backdrop of conflict in West Asia and supply chain disruptions, measures to ensure the flow of energy and fertilizers through strategic joint ventures, as well as cooperation on critical minerals, were discussed.

#WATCH | AFTERNOON @narendramodi hands over a Russian translation of Thirukkural to Russian President Vladimir Putin during a bilateral meeting in New Delhi.@BricksIndia2026@MEEAIndia#BRICS2026#BRICSIIndia2026#IndiaBRICCSpresidency#BRICS26OnDDpic.twitter.com/TVb3eV9dgv

— DD News (@DDNewslive) September 11, 2026

Prime Minister Modi presented President Putin with a Russian translation of Thirukkural, a classic Tamil collection of poems by poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar. Mr Modi was accompanied to the meeting by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Chief Secretary Shaktikanta Das, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and other senior officials. The two leaders last met on the sidelines of the SCO summit in the capital of the Kyrgyz Republic, Bishkek, on 31 August. Mr. Modi then called for an end to the Ukraine war.

In a press release, the Kremlin said President Putin is expected to visit the INNOPROM exhibition jointly organized by the Indian and Russian trade ministries. During his stay in New Delhi, he is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with leaders of other countries. “The main agreements reached are expected to be reflected in the final document of the summit,” the Kremlin said.

Published – 11 Sep 2026 17:44 IST