Modi, Putin Forge Stronger Ties in Delhi as Expanded BRICS Kicks Off
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Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi today for crucial bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, setting the stage for the 18th BRICS Summit scheduled to formally begin tomorrow. The leaders emphasized a shared ambition to boost India-Russia bilateral trade to an ambitious $100 billion by 2030, covering critical sectors like energy, defence, and technology. Their discussions also delved into pressing global issues, including ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and the Black Sea region, and their significant impact on maritime trade and seafarer safety. This high-stakes meeting comes as India, holding the BRICS Chairship 2026, hosts an expanded 11-member bloc, underscoring the growing influence of the Global South amidst complex geopolitical shifts. The BRICS Business Forum, also underway today in New Delhi, is focusing on practical cooperation, trade, investment, and the push for linking payment systems and trading in local currencies to reduce reliance on the US dollar. The leaders also visited the INNOPROM India exhibition, highlighting industrial collaboration. As the BRICS Summit formally convenes tomorrow, the focus will be on translating these bilateral and forum discussions into concrete outcomes, expected to be outlined in the New Delhi Declaration. India's commitment to 'Dialogue and Diplomacy' in resolving global conflicts will remain a key message, while the expanded BRICS group aims to solidify its role in shaping a new multipolar world order, potentially influencing global economic and security frameworks for years to come.