New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to hold bilateral talks in New Delhi on September 11, ahead of the BRICS Summit 2026. Defence cooperation, including Russia’s proposed sale of Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jets to India, is expected to be among the key issues discussed during the meeting.The 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit will be hosted by India at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, 2026. India assumed the BRICS chairship on January 1 this year, with the grouping’s 2026 theme focused on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability.Key HighlightsBRICS Summit 2026 date: September 12–13, 2026Venue: Bharat Mandapam, New DelhiPM Modi-Putin meeting: September 11, 2026Key defence issue: Possible Su-57 fighter jet deal and technology cooperationBRICS 2026 theme: “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”India’s BRICS chairship: Began on January 1, 2026Delhi holiday: September 11 has been declared a holiday for Delhi government offices, autonomous bodies and PSUsBRICS 2026: The grouping marks 20 years since its establishmentBRICS Summit 2026 Date and VenueThe BRICS Summit 2026 will be held in New Delhi on September 12 and 13. India will host the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit at Bharat Mandapam.According to the Indian government, the summit will bring together leaders from BRICS member and partner countries as well as outreach invitees. India’s BRICS chairship has already involved more than 350 meetings and high-level engagements across more than 25 cities.The summit will focus on strengthening cooperation among BRICS countries across political and security, economic and financial, and cultural and people-to-people areas.PM Modi and Putin to Meet on September 11Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin are scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting on Friday, September 11, ahead of the main BRICS summit.The Kremlin has said that the two leaders will discuss bilateral relations, with the potential sale of Su-57 fighter aircraft to India among the issues on the agenda. Reports also indicate that technology transfer could be an important part of discussions around the aircraft deal.The meeting comes after Modi and Putin met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek last month. The two leaders had reviewed cooperation in areas including defence, energy, space, trade and other sectors.Su-57 Fighter Jet Deal on AgendaRussia is pushing the Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet as a potential addition to India's fighter fleet.The aircraft deal could become an important part of the India-Russia defence discussions. Reports suggest India is interested not only in acquiring the fighter jets but also in technology sharing and greater cooperation in advanced military aviation.However, no final agreement on the Su-57 has been officially announced. Any details regarding the number of aircraft, price or technology transfer should therefore be treated as subject to negotiations until officially confirmed.BRICS Summit 2026 ThemeIndia's BRICS chairship is guided by the theme:“Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”The theme reflects India's emphasis on a people-centric approach based on the principle of “Humanity First.”According to the Indian government, the chairship aims to promote practical and development-oriented outcomes while strengthening cooperation across political, economic and people-to-people areas.BRICS Summit 2026 ScheduleThe BRICS Business Forum and Leaders’ Summit-related programmes are being organised from September 11 to 13 in New Delhi, with Bharat Mandapam serving as the principal venue. The events will bring together leaders, ministers, business representatives and senior officials from BRICS member countries to discuss cooperation in areas including trade, investment, technology, finance, energy and global affairs.(READ MORE): BRICS Summit 2026: Why Modi-Putin Talks Matter for Russia-Ukraine Peace EffortsIs September 11 a Holiday in Delhi?Yes. The Delhi government has declared September 11, 2026, a holiday for government offices, autonomous bodies and public sector undertakings under the Delhi government because of the BRICS Summit and associated arrangements.Central government offices in Delhi and New Delhi will also remain closed on September 11. The decision has been taken considering the extensive security, traffic and logistical arrangements required for the movement of visiting leaders and delegations.The holiday applies specifically to the government offices and organisations covered by the official orders; it does not automatically mean that every private office, school, college or business in Delhi will be closed.BRICS Summit 2027: Which Country Will Host It?The BRICS Summit 2027 will be held under the next BRICS chairship. Details of the host country and exact dates should be checked against the official BRICS announcement once formally confirmed.For now, India remains the host and chair of the 2026 BRICS Summit, with the leaders’ meeting scheduled for September 12–13 in New Delhi.Why BRICS Summit 2026 Is Important for IndiaThe 2026 summit is particularly significant as India is hosting the BRICS leaders for the fourth time as chair. It also marks 20 years since the establishment of BRICS.For India, the summit provides an opportunity to strengthen economic and strategic cooperation with member countries while discussing major global and regional issues.The Modi-Putin meeting adds another important dimension, particularly because defence, energy, trade and technology remain key areas of the India-Russia relationship. The potential Su-57 deal could therefore attract significant attention during Putin’s visit.Latest UpdateThe BRICS Summit 2026 will take place in New Delhi on September 12–13 at Bharat Mandapam. Before the main summit, PM Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin are scheduled to meet on September 11, with the Su-57 fighter jet sale and defence cooperation expected to be among the key issues. Delhi government and central government offices in the capital will remain closed on September 11 due to the summit-related arrangements.
