New Delhi – On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted two high‑profile meetings in the capital, first with Russian President Vladimir Putin and then with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The talks were framed as a push to deepen political, economic, defence and energy ties ahead of the weekend BRICS summit, which India chairs this year.
Strategic dialogue with Russia
Modi and Putin discussed a broad range of cooperation, from defence procurement to energy imports. Both leaders highlighted the importance of India‑Russia engagement within the BRICS framework and exchanged views on regional and global issues, including the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. The Indian foreign ministry said the dialogue reaffirmed the long‑standing partnership that has seen Russia remain a key supplier of military equipment and discounted oil to New Delhi.
Iranian participation and regional peace
After thanking President Pezeshkian for Iran’s high‑level participation in the summit – “despite the challenging circumstances,” the ministry noted – Modi and the Iranian leader reviewed bilateral ties. Their discussion touched on trade, energy cooperation and the need for sustained efforts to preserve regional peace, safeguard maritime routes and protect seafarers.
Analyst Praveen Donthi of the International Crisis Group said Pezeshkian’s first visit to India could help bridge gaps and strengthen ties between Tehran and New Delhi, noting that India must balance its strategic interests against Western pressure.
BRICS summit context
The summit, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, will bring together leaders from the original five members – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – plus six newer participants, representing roughly half of the world’s population. Chinese President Xi Jinping will also attend.
India’s role as chair this year places it at the centre of a test of BRICS unity, as the bloc navigates the war in Ukraine, the conflict in the Middle East and rising U.S.–China tensions. While New Delhi continues to call for dialogue and diplomacy to end the war in Ukraine, it has declined to join Western efforts to isolate Moscow.
Balancing ties with the West
At the same time, India is pursuing major trade and investment agreements with the United States and Europe, seeking to diversify its economic partnerships while maintaining its historic defence relationship with Russia.
Modi reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy remain the path forward for Russia‑Ukraine peace efforts and said India stands ready to assist in any peace initiative.
Energy and defence outlook
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, India has sharply increased imports of discounted Russian oil, helping cushion the impact of the energy crisis triggered by the Iran war. Defence purchases are also being diversified, though Russia continues to supply key military hardware.
Putin’s last visit to India was in December 2025; earlier this month the two leaders met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
Looking ahead
With the BRICS summit set to showcase India’s diplomatic leadership, the Modi administration aims to present a “long‑term and win‑win” strategy that balances strategic partnerships, regional stability and economic growth.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
