Archive · 16 Sep 2026
India and Russia deepen ties through culture, commerce and BRICS
India and Russia want to make their relationship stronger.
Their leaders, Narendra Modi and Vladimir Putin, discussed this at a BRICS meeting in New Delhi.
A Russian official said the countries should cooperate during difficult times.
She said relationships between ordinary people are as important as trade.
This includes student visits, cultural performances, education and scientific work.
Russian and Indian companies also want to do more business together.
They are using payments in their own currencies to reduce outside influence.
The two countries will celebrate 80 years of diplomatic relations next year.
The official described India as an important country with a very long history.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin agreed to deepen India-Russia ties during the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
Russian House Director Elena Remizova said BRICS members should remain united during turbulent times and expand cooperation beyond economics.
Remizova highlighted youth programs, cultural exchanges, education, science and civil-society cooperation as ways to strengthen people-to-people links.
Russian and Indian businesses showed interest in expanding trade and investment, including through rupee-ruble payments despite sanctions and pressure.
India and Russia will mark 80 years of diplomatic relations next year, with renewed focus on cultural cooperation and their shared historical connections.
- Who
- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian House Director Elena Remizova were central to the discussions described.
- What
- India and Russia discussed deepening bilateral ties through BRICS cooperation, business, cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts.
- When
- The leaders met on Friday during the 18th BRICS Summit; India and Russia will celebrate 80 years of diplomatic relations next year.
- Where
- The summit and the INNOPROM exhibition were held in New Delhi, including at Bharat Mandapam.
- Why
- The stated aim was to strengthen cooperation during turbulent times and expand economic, cultural, educational and social connections.
- Diplomatic milestone
- India and Russia will mark 80 years of diplomatic relations next year.
- Summit
- The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
- Leaders
- Narendra Modi and Vladimir Putin agreed to deepen their countries' longstanding ties.
- People-to-people links
- Proposed areas include youth exchanges, culture, education, science and civil forums.
- Business ties
- Companies from both countries expressed interest in direct trade, investment and cooperation.
- Payment system
- Remizova cited rupee-ruble payments as a more favorable way to conduct transactions.
- Cultural exchange
- The countries have an intergovernmental agreement covering exchanges of music and cultural groups.