New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to hold bilateral talks on the sidelines of the upcoming BRICS Summit 2026 in New Delhi, making their meeting particularly significant as diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war receive renewed attention.The talks come days after Modi urged Putin to move from “endless wars to ending wars” during their meeting at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Bishkek. India has consistently maintained that dialogue and diplomacy are the way forward, while also preserving its long-standing strategic partnership with Moscow.Modi-Putin Meeting Ahead of BRICS SummitThe Kremlin has confirmed that Modi and Putin will hold bilateral discussions on Friday, September 11, ahead of the BRICS leaders' summit. According to reports, the agenda is expected to cover defence cooperation, energy, trade, nuclear power and wider geopolitical developments.Russia is also looking at expanding cooperation with India in areas such as nuclear energy, while potential discussions around the Russian fifth-generation Su-57 fighter aircraft are also expected to feature in the bilateral engagement.The meeting will therefore be important not only for India-Russia relations but also for the broader geopolitical conversations taking place around the BRICS summit.Why Ukraine Peace Talks Make the Meeting ImportantThe timing of the Modi-Putin meeting is significant because fresh diplomatic activity has emerged around the Russia-Ukraine conflict.US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner recently held talks with Russian officials in Moscow and subsequently engaged with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Ukrainian officials have indicated that several proposals were discussed, although no major breakthrough has yet been announced.Russia has also said it does not rule out restarting trilateral negotiations involving Russia, Ukraine and the United States. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on September 7 that discussions could resume, although he cautioned that it was too early to discuss specific details such as the timing or venue.Against this backdrop, Modi's direct engagement with Putin could provide another diplomatic channel for discussing the conflict.India's Balancing Act Between Russia and UkraineIndia's position has remained focused on maintaining strategic autonomy while encouraging dialogue between the parties involved in the conflict.New Delhi has deep defence and energy ties with Moscow, but it has also maintained diplomatic engagement with Ukraine and developed strong relations with the United States and European countries.During his recent meeting with Putin, Modi emphasised India's support for peace efforts and said that conflicts should be resolved through peaceful means. India's official statement also noted that the two leaders discussed regional and global issues, including the Black Sea conflict and its impact on maritime trade and the safety of Indian seafarers.This approach allows India to maintain communication with Russia while continuing to engage with Western countries and Ukraine.Russia-India Relations Remain a Key FocusThe Modi-Putin relationship extends well beyond the Ukraine conflict. The two countries have cooperation in defence, energy, trade, space, fertilisers, nuclear power and other strategic sectors.According to the Prime Minister's Office, the two leaders reviewed progress across political, economic, defence, energy, space, mobility and people-to-people ties during their August 31 meeting.They also discussed India-Russia engagement within BRICS under India's 2026 chairship.The upcoming meeting could therefore be used to reinforce the broader “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” between the two countries while addressing changing global economic and security conditions.What BRICS Summit 2026 Means for IndiaIndia is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on September 12 and 13. The summit is being held under India's chairship, with the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”The year 2026 is also significant because BRICS completes 20 years since its establishment. India is holding the chairship for the fourth time, having previously led the grouping in 2012, 2016 and 2021.The summit will bring together leaders from BRICS member and partner countries and provide India with an important platform to discuss global economic, political and security issues.(Read More : BRICS Summit 2026: Delhi Police Issues Traffic Advisory, Check Affected Routes)Could Modi Influence the Russia-Ukraine Peace Process?India is unlikely to act as a formal mediator unless all sides agree, but its continued communication with Moscow gives New Delhi an important diplomatic channel.Modi's recent direct appeal to Putin to move towards ending the war shows that India is willing to discuss peace with the Russian leadership while maintaining its strategic relationship with Moscow. Putin's upcoming visit to India could provide another opportunity for the two leaders to discuss the conflict privately.However, any major breakthrough will depend on negotiations between Russia, Ukraine and other key international actors. Russia has maintained its own conditions for ending the conflict, while Ukraine has rejected demands it considers unacceptable.Timeline: Modi-Putin and Ukraine Peace PushAugust 31: Modi and Putin meet on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Bishkek.August 31: Modi urges a move from “endless wars” towards ending the war and backs peaceful resolution efforts.September 5: US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner meet Putin in Moscow as part of renewed peace efforts.September 7: Kremlin says Russia does not rule out restarting trilateral peace negotiations.September 11: Modi and Putin are expected to hold bilateral talks in New Delhi.September 12–13: India hosts the 18th BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam.Latest UpdateThe upcoming Modi-Putin meeting comes at a particularly important moment for Russia-Ukraine diplomacy. With renewed US-led diplomatic efforts and Russia indicating that it could consider restarting negotiations, India's communication with Moscow could become significant in the wider peace conversation.For India, the meeting will also be about strengthening its strategic partnership with Russia across defence, energy, trade and nuclear cooperation. Putin's presence at the BRICS Summit will give Modi another opportunity to discuss both bilateral priorities and major international developments.
