BRICS, chaired by India this year, is a group of the largest emerging economies and developing countries. The group’s acronym comes from its founders in 2006 – Brazil, Russia, India, China, and shortly after joined by South Africa. Later the group expanded and now includes 11 countries, home to about half of the world’s population.
Read more Having lost another player due to injury, «Žalgiris» finished rehearsals overwhelmingly
N. Modi and V. Putin discussed cooperation in politics, economy, defense, energy, and other areas. They also talked about India and Russia’s cooperation within the BRICS organization and exchanged views on regional and global issues, including conflicts in the Middle East, according to a statement from the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
N. Modi thanked M. Pezeshkian for Iran’s active participation in BRICS activities, “despite difficult circumstances,” the ministry noted, referring to the Iran war. The two leaders, who met earlier this month in Kyrgyzstan on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting, also discussed bilateral relations, the ministry added.
The summit taking place on Saturday and Sunday will also be attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping. The unity of BRICS countries is being tested amid the war in Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East, as well as rising tensions between the United States and China.
Vladimir Putin’s visit – a challenge for India
India has maintained close defense and economic ties with Russia for decades and calls for ending the war in Ukraine through dialogue and diplomacy, while maintaining relations with both V. Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
India has refused to join Western efforts to isolate Moscow over Russia’s war against Ukraine. New Delhi also seeks important trade and investment agreements with the US and Europe.
N. Modi reiterated on Friday that dialogue and diplomacy are the way forward for Russia and Ukraine and said India is ready to assist peace efforts, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.
Russia also remains a major supplier of military equipment to India, although New Delhi seeks to diversify defense purchases. Since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, India has also significantly increased imports of discounted Russian oil, making energy another pillar of relations and helping to mitigate the impact of the energy crisis caused by the Iran war.
Read more Horoscope for September 12: who the stars promise peace, and who – unexpected changes?
V. Putin last visited India in December 2025, but earlier this month met with N. Modi in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan.
India continues communication with Tehran
Despite expanding India’s partnership with Israel and the Arab states of the Persian Gulf region, New Delhi consistently maintains ties with Iran, although these relations are limited by geopolitics as New Delhi seeks to balance its strategic interests amid Western pressure.
Strict US sanctions and secondary penalties on companies trading with Iran forced India to stop direct imports of crude oil from Iran.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement said N. Modi urged continuous efforts to preserve regional peace and stability, protect maritime trade routes and seafarers.
“We believe we should move forward with a long-term and mutually beneficial strategy,” N. Modi later wrote on social media.
M. Pezeshkian’s visit, his first to India, could help fill some gaps and strengthen Tehran-New Delhi ties, said Praveen Donthi from the non-governmental organization International Crisis Group.
“India was forced to recognize Iran’s importance in the region and reconsider its approach,” said P. Donthi.
Read more Zelensky urges the US to urgently announce sanctions on Russia
