Putin Likely to Attend BRICS Summit in New Delhi This September, Says Russian Official
Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to participate in the upcoming BRICS summit scheduled to be held in New Delhi in September, according to a statement by Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister. The development signals a potential high-profile visit amid evolving geopolitical dynamics and continued cooperation between India and Russia. The announcement has generated significant diplomatic interest.
The announcement came during recent diplomatic engagements between Indian and Russian officials, where both sides reviewed bilateral relations and discussed preparations for key international events, including the BRICS summit. Russia has expressed strong support for India’s presidency of the grouping in 2026, underlining the importance it places on the multilateral platform. The relationship remains a strategic priority for both nations.
If confirmed, Putin’s visit would mark a significant moment, especially considering his limited international travel in recent years. The Russian leader has skipped or attended several global summits virtually due to geopolitical tensions and legal concerns in some countries. However, India is not a member of the International Criminal Court, which removes a major hurdle that has previously affected his participation in international gatherings. This makes the visit more feasible.
The BRICS summit, which brings together major emerging economies including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, is set to be hosted by India as part of its rotating chairmanship. The 2026 summit is expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in areas such as economic development, global governance, security, and innovation. The grouping has gained increased relevance in recent years.
Russian officials have indicated that preparations are already underway for the summit, with ministerial-level meetings scheduled in the months leading up to the main event. These discussions will help shape the agenda and final outcomes of the summit, ensuring alignment among member countries on key global issues. Coordination efforts are already in motion.
India and Russia have continued to maintain strong diplomatic and strategic ties, even as global political landscapes shift. Both countries have emphasized the importance of multilateral cooperation through forums like BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), aiming to promote a more balanced and multipolar world order. The partnership remains robust across multiple sectors.
The potential participation of Putin is also being closely watched in the context of global diplomacy. His attendance would highlight the importance of BRICS as an alternative platform for dialogue among emerging economies, especially at a time when traditional global institutions are facing increasing challenges. It would also signal Russia’s continued engagement with the Global South.
Over the years, BRICS has expanded its influence, with new members joining the bloc and discussions intensifying around issues such as trade in local currencies, energy cooperation, and reform of international financial institutions. Russia has been a strong advocate for enhancing the group’s global role, particularly in areas like energy and economic coordination. The summit will likely advance these priorities.
For India, hosting the summit presents an opportunity to showcase its leadership on the global stage and strengthen ties with key partners. The presence of top leaders, including the Russian president, would further elevate the significance of the event and reinforce India’s position as a central player in international diplomacy. New Delhi is preparing for a high-level gathering.
While the final confirmation of Putin’s visit is still awaited, the indication from Russian officials suggests a positive outlook for his participation. If he attends, it would not only mark an important diplomatic engagement but also underscore the continued relevance of BRICS as a platform for collaboration among major emerging economies. The visit would be a major diplomatic event.
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As preparations continue, the New Delhi summit is expected to draw global attention, with discussions likely to shape the future direction of economic and geopolitical cooperation within the BRICS framework. The coming months will see intensive planning as India prepares to welcome world leaders. The summit is scheduled for late September.
