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Russia and India Hold Talks on Trade, Energy, and Defense Cooperation

Written by space4knews on . Posted in International.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held significant discussions on trade, energy, and defense relations in New Delhi. President Putin visited New Delhi to participate in the upcoming 11-member BRICS summit. According to Indian government data, bilateral trade in goods between India and Russia reached $59.9 billion in the fiscal year 2025/26. (26 September, New Delhi)

The formal meeting between President Putin and Prime Minister Modi took place on Friday in New Delhi. During their discussions, both leaders engaged deeply on issues concerning trade, energy, and defense sectors. President Putin is in New Delhi to attend the BRICS summit comprising 11 member nations. Moscow remains one of India’s most important strategic partners and military suppliers.

Indian media outlets released images showing the two leaders smiling, playfully patting each other on the back, and embracing at the summit venue. Due to the energy crisis arising from the conflict between the US and Iran, India has increased its focus on Russia. Despite the war in Ukraine and Western pressure, India has continued purchasing Russian oil uninterruptedly.

President Putin last visited India in December 2025. Earlier this month, they also met during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. At that time, Prime Minister Modi urged Putin to “move from endless war towards ending the conflict.” Following the outbreak of war in the Middle East, Indian refineries nearly doubled crude oil imports from Russia in March, aided by a temporary waiver issued by the US. According to the trade intelligence firm Kepler, imports rose to an average of 2.71 million barrels per day in June and reached a peak of 2.81 million barrels daily in July. Although this fell to 2.07 million barrels per day in August, imports remain substantial. Indian government statistics show that in 2025/26, bilateral trade in goods reached $59.9 billion, with India exporting $449 million and importing $5.537 billion from Russia.