New Delhi, 12 September 2026: Ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezheshkian and United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres in New Delhi yesterday.
During his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the two leaders reviewed the progress of India-Russia cooperation in various fields including politics, trade and economy, defence, energy, space, exchange of skilled professionals for employment and people-to-people contacts. The two sides also exchanged views on key regional and global issues of mutual interest, including the ongoing conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi once again stressed that dialogue and mediation are the right path to resolve conflicts and India is ready to help in peace efforts. The two leaders also agreed to continue efforts to further strengthen the 'Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership' between India and Russia.
Russian President Putin invited the Prime Minister to visit Russia for the 24th India-Russia Annual Summit. The Prime Minister accepted that invitation.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi gifted Putin the Russian translation of the ancient Tamil literary work 'Thirukkur' written by poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar. It is published by 'Central Institute of Classical Tamil'.
President Putin reached the national capital yesterday morning to participate in the BRICS summit.
In the meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezheshkian, Prime Minister Modi discussed bilateral relations and recent developments in West Asia. Modi reiterated India's consistent position that all issues should be resolved through dialogue and consultation. They stressed the need for continued efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region, and highlighted the importance of protecting freedom of navigation and commerce, and ensuring the safety and welfare of seafarers.
The Prime Minister thanked Iran for its continued high-level participation in BRICS-related meetings and emphasized the grouping's ability to promote resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability among countries in the 'Global South'.
Prime Minister Modi also met with United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres. The two leaders discussed issues such as ongoing conflicts around the world, freedom of navigation, sustainable development, renewable energy, global food security and human-centered artificial intelligence. He also stressed the importance of strengthening multilateralism and bringing reforms in international organizations including the United Nations Security Council, keeping in mind the current global situation. United Nations Secretary General Guterres congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi for India assuming the presidency of the BRICS Summit for the fourth time.
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