Putin in India for BRICS Summit, a Window into Global Conflicts

Source: Courrier International | Original Published At: 2026-09-10 00:00:00 UTC

Key Points

• Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi to attend a two-day BRICS summit amid global geopolitical tensions.
• Chinese President Xi Jinping will also attend, marking his first visit to India since 2019 and a step in the gradual rapprochement between Beijing and New Delhi.
• Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and leaders from other BRICS members, including the United Arab Emirates, are expected at the summit.
• Discussions are expected to cover the Middle East conflict, its impact on oil and gas prices, and efforts by Russia and China to counter US influence.
• Analysts say divisions over Iran, including the United Arab Emirates' suspension of trade and financial exchanges with Iran, test BRICS cohesion.
• The summit may also include discussions on China's economic dominance and India's record trade deficit with China, which reached $112 billion in fiscal year 2025-2026.
• India, the host country, seeks to balance relations with Iran, Russia, China, and the United States, while Putin and Modi are expected to discuss bilateral ties.