India-Russia Relationship and BRICS Summit: Gurjit Singh, Sandeep Unnithan, Deepanshu Mohan

An exhibition at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi highlighted India's emerging prowess in defence and space technologies, spotlighting private sector innovations developed alongside the Indian Space Research Organisation. Among the featured innovations is OptoSAR, a 190-kilogram satellite designed by IIT Madras alumni that combines optical payloads and synthetic aperture radar. The satellite simultaneously captures images through clouds, smoke, and nighttime conditions, serving defence operations, flood monitoring, and forest fire management. Following the launch of Mission Drishti in May, developers aim to build a constellation of 30 satellites within three years to cater to global requirements. The initiative reflects growing government backing and grants aimed at expanding India's private space tech sector.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin are scheduled to hold a crucial bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Defence co-production, trade, crude purchases, energy security, cross-border payments in local currencies, nuclear power, connectivity, and pharmaceuticals are featured prominently on the bilateral agenda. Russia has also proposed the sale and India-specific customization of its Su-57 fifth-generation stealth fighter jet alongside showcasing civilian aircraft and jet engines, such as the SJ-100, MC-21, and IL-114-300, for the Indian aviation market. Bilateral trade between the two nations reached a record 68.69 billion dollars in financial year 2025-26. Prime Minister Modi is hosting global leaders at Bharat Mandapam, which serves as the venue for the summit meetings, bilateral interactions, and the BRICS Business Forum. President Droupadi Murmu is also slated to host the visiting heads of state.

As world leaders arrive at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi for the BRICS summit, crucial bilateral meetings including India-Russia and India-Iran are in focus. The discussion highlights that BRICS member nations represent nearly 50 percent of the global population, 40 percent of the global GDP, and 26 percent of global trade. Key expectations from the discussions include securing smooth market access for micro, small, and medium enterprises, drafting uniform international trade standards, and settling cross-border trade in local currencies to minimise current account deficits. The dialogue also explores expanding cooperation between India and Russia across defence joint production, aerospace, fertilizers, and rare earth minerals critical for new-age industries such as semiconductors and electric vehicles. Furthermore, former diplomat Gurjit Singh notes the significant convening power demonstrated by New Delhi as key global partners gather for the multilateral deliberations.

A Scorpio vehicle was seized in Sonamarg after a group of youths attempted a dangerous stunt by driving through the fast-flowing Sindh River.