PM Modi Meets Vladimir Putin In Delhi: Defence Deals, Trade And Energy On Agenda

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.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has arrived in New Delhi to attend the BRICS Summit 2026, marking the first visit by an Iranian head of state to India in eight years. The visit comes amid heightened tensions in West Asia, ongoing conflicts involving Israel and the United States, and security concerns over trade routes in the Strait of Hormuz that have affected global energy markets. A bilateral meeting is scheduled between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Pezeshkian at Bharat Mandapam, following their recent interaction at the SCO summit in Bishkek. Talks are expected to cover bilateral trade, energy stability, regional security, and the safety of commercial shipping. With other world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, also in the national capital for the multilateral summit, Delhi Police has implemented extensive security measures across designated routes and venues. The summit platform aims to facilitate high-level diplomatic deliberations on international trade, regional stability, and global peace.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has arrived at the Palam Air Force Station in New Delhi ahead of the summit. This marks the first visit by an Iranian president to India in eight years, following Hassan Rouhani's trip in 2018. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Pezeshkian are scheduled to hold bilateral talks focusing on crucial issues, including the Chabahar port project, regional connectivity to Afghanistan and Central Asia, and energy security. The discussions also come amid global shipping security concerns regarding the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea, and the Suez Canal. The two leaders previously met in Bishkek on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, where discussions centred on trade diversification and regional stability through dialogue and diplomacy. India aims to navigate multilateral groupings such as BRICS and facilitate consensus among member nations.