Modi, Putin Move to Strengthen Ties as Russia Pushes for Greater BRICS Role
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed to further strengthen their long-standing strategic partnership, as Moscow called for the BRICS grouping to play a greater role in shaping the global economy.
The two leaders held talks in New Delhi ahead of the BRICS summit, which is expected to bring together leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
India is continuing to balance its relations with major global powers, maintaining close ties with the United States, Russia, Iran, Israel and Gulf countries while facing the economic and shipping disruptions caused by conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Putin said BRICS should develop a new platform for global economic growth that is less dependent on Western-led rules and institutions. He argued that the group could provide greater opportunities for cooperation in areas including trade, investment, technology, infrastructure and international payments.
Russia’s special envoy Kirill Dmitriev said BRICS was increasingly moving beyond its role as a geopolitical grouping and becoming a more practical economic partnership. He said the bloc was focusing on strengthening cooperation between businesses, technology companies and investors while improving payment systems and infrastructure.
Russia Calls for Reform of Global Economic System
Speaking at a BRICS business forum, Putin criticised what he described as efforts by Western countries to maintain their previous economic dominance.
He also raised concerns over attacks on industrial and logistical infrastructure, disruptions to international transport routes and restrictions on trade and finance.
Putin said BRICS members should work towards creating a more stable global economic platform while protecting national interests.
His comments followed concerns raised by BRICS finance ministers and central bank governors over unilateral trade and financial measures, including tariffs and non-tariff barriers that they said could distort international trade and conflict with World Trade Organization principles.
India-Russia Energy Cooperation Remains Strong
The strengthening of India-Russia ties comes amid growing pressure on countries continuing to purchase Russian oil and gas.
The United States has threatened additional tariffs on countries that continue to buy Russian energy, while India and China remain among the largest buyers of Russian crude.
India has defended its energy relationship with Russia, arguing that its large population and growing economy require secure, affordable and reliable energy supplies.
During their meeting, Modi and Putin also discussed conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region, which have affected maritime trade and the safety of Indian seafarers.
India’s Foreign Ministry said the two leaders agreed to continue efforts to strengthen their “special and privileged strategic partnership.”
India and Russia have also set an ambitious target of increasing bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030, up from nearly $70 billion in 2024–25.
The discussions underline India’s efforts to maintain strategic and economic ties with Russia while simultaneously navigating its increasingly complex relationships with the United States and other major global powers.
