Archive · 12 Sep 2026
Modi and Putin Seek Stronger Ties as BRICS Challenges West
Narendra Modi and Vladimir Putin met in New Delhi to discuss closer ties between India and Russia.
Their meeting took place before a BRICS summit.
Putin said BRICS countries should work together without depending on rules set by Western countries.
He criticized tariffs, sanctions and other restrictions on trade.
India wants to keep buying Russian oil because it says its people and economy need affordable and reliable energy.
The conflicts in Ukraine, Iran and other parts of the region have disrupted shipping and trade.
India and Russia also talked about keeping sea routes and Indian sailors safer.
They want to grow trade between their countries to $100 billion by 2030.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to deepen their countries’ longstanding strategic partnership.
Putin urged BRICS to create a new platform for global growth independent of Western rules and influence.
BRICS officials criticized tariffs, sanctions and other trade restrictions they said distort global commerce and conflict with WTO rules.
India and Russia discussed conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region, including their effects on maritime trade and Indian seafarers.
The two countries aim to increase bilateral trade from nearly $70 billion in 2024-25 to $100 billion by 2030.
- Who
- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin, with other BRICS leaders and officials involved.
- What
- Modi and Putin agreed to strengthen India-Russia ties, while Putin called for BRICS to develop a growth platform independent of Western rules.
- When
- The talks took place on Friday, September 11, before a BRICS summit; the article does not specify the year.
- Where
- New Delhi, India.
- Why
- The countries are responding to trade and shipping disruptions, Western pressure over Russian energy purchases, and efforts to expand BRICS cooperation.
BRICS advocates
Western critics and pressure
Global economic rules
BRICS advocates
Putin and BRICS finance officials argued that tariffs, sanctions and other unilateral restrictions distort trade and undermine national interests.
Western critics and pressure
The United States has opposed what it describes as BRICS alignment with anti-American policies and has threatened additional tariffs against countries supporting Russia through energy purchases.
Russian energy trade
BRICS advocates
India says it needs secure, affordable and reliable energy supplies and has resisted pressure to reduce trade with Russia.
Western critics and pressure
Washington has threatened 100% additional tariffs on countries that continue buying Russian oil and gas.
BRICS’ future role
BRICS advocates
Russia says BRICS should evolve into a practical economic partnership that supports businesses, technology firms, investors and alternative payment systems.
Western critics and pressure
The article notes that BRICS members remain divided over the Gulf conflict, including differences involving Iran and the United Arab Emirates.
- Bilateral trade target
- India and Russia want trade to reach $100 billion by 2030.
- Current trade
- Bilateral trade was nearly $70 billion in 2024-25.
- BRICS focus
- The group is considering cooperation on business, technology, investment, payment systems and infrastructure.
- Energy relationship
- India is one of the biggest buyers of Russian oil.
- Western tariff threat
- Washington has threatened additional tariffs on countries continuing to buy Russian oil and gas, including India and China.
- Summit participants
- Chinese President Xi Jinping and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian were among those expected at the BRICS summit.