New Delhi, Sept 2026 : Russian President Vladimir Putin departed New Delhi on Sunday after concluding his visit to India for the 18th BRICS Summit hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh saw off Putin at the Delhi airport following the Russian leader’s two-day visit.
“Honoured to see off H.E. President Vladimir Putin at Delhi airport following his visit to India for the BRICS Summit. India deeply values its Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership with Russia and remains committed to further advancing our multifaceted cooperation,” Singh posted on X.
Putin arrived in New Delhi on Friday to participate in the 18th BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam. The two-day summit brought together leaders of BRICS member and partner countries, along with outreach invitees and representatives of international organisations.
During his address at the summit on Saturday, Putin emphasised the principles underpinning cooperation among BRICS members, saying the partnership was based on equality, good neighbourliness and mutual consideration of interests.
He said the grouping also respected the cultural and civilisational diversity, history, traditions and values of its members.
Putin said it was therefore logical that the authority and influence of BRICS continued to grow steadily in global affairs.
“The Association has rightfully established itself among the key centres of global governance, and the prospects for developments in international politics and security, economics, and humanitarian cooperation largely depend on our collective decisions and actions,” Putin said.
He described the summit session on “Inclusive Global Governance and Strengthening Multilateralism” as particularly relevant amid changing global dynamics.
Putin stressed that in an emerging multipolar world, countries needed to work together to strengthen multilateralism and ensure wider participation in global decision-making mechanisms.
He called for greater involvement of countries in key international political and economic institutions and collective efforts to address emerging challenges and threats. According to Putin, such cooperation was essential for promoting international peace and stability and achieving shared prosperity and well-being.
Modi-Putin Hold Bilateral Talks
During his visit, Putin also held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two leaders reviewed the progress of India-Russia cooperation across several strategic and economic areas.
Their discussions covered bilateral cooperation in political, economic, defence, energy, space, skill mobility and people-to-people exchanges, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.
The two leaders also exchanged views on major international developments, including ongoing conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region.
The meeting highlighted the continuing importance of the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership and the two countries’ efforts to expand cooperation across multiple sectors.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi presented Putin with a Russian translation of the Thirukkural, the celebrated work of Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar. The classical text contains extensive writings on agriculture and the role of farmers.
The two leaders also welcomed the first edition of Russia’s International Industrial Exhibition, INNOPROM India, held in India from September 9 to 11.
The Ministry of External Affairs said Modi and Putin underscored the importance of the exhibition in expanding bilateral trade and industrial cooperation.
The leaders visited the INNOPROM India exhibition during Putin’s stay and interacted with participants.
Putin’s departure followed a series of high-level engagements during the BRICS Summit and his bilateral meeting with Modi, reinforcing the continuing focus on strengthening India-Russia ties across strategic, economic, technological and people-to-people domains.
