Russian President Vladimir Putin is widely expected to participate in the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, scheduled for September 2026. Following an official invitation from India, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko confirmed in April 2026 that there are currently no obstacles to his attendance. This visit would mark Putin’s second trip to India in less than a year, following his high-profile bilateral summit with Prime Minister Modi in December 2025.
Strategic importance
Putin’s attendance is set to anchor the first summit of the newly expanded BRICS, which now includes members like Iran, the UAE, and Indonesia. In the context of the ongoing U.S.-Iran naval conflict and the “Hormuz Shock,” the summit provides a critical platform for Russia and India to coordinate on global energy security and alternative trade settlements. By attending in person, Putin reinforces the bloc’s image as a primary vehicle for the Global South, signaling that Russia remains diplomatically central to a multipolar order despite Western pressure and sanctions.
India-Russia dimension
For New Delhi, hosting Putin during its BRICS chairmanship underscores its “strategic autonomy” and role as a global bridge-builder. The two nations are currently working toward a USD 100 billion trade target by 2030, focusing on the Northern Sea Route and the INSTC to bypass volatile maritime chokepoints. A personal visit allows for direct “consensus-building” on sensitive issues, including the proposed BRICS currency and the expansion of the “Humanity First” diplomatic framework championed by India.
What remains uncertain
While participation is likely, officials note that the final itinerary remains “subject to scheduling” as the September date approaches. The regional stability of West Asia and ongoing security protocols will dictate the final confirmation. However, the current momentum suggests that the Delhi summit will be a defining moment for the bloc, potentially featuring the first major meeting between several heads of state since the recent escalation in the Persian Gulf.