Modi holds talks with Putin and Iran’s president before the BRICS summit of 11 nations - AP News

**Modi Meets Putin and Iran’s President Ahead of Expanded BRICS Summit**

New Delhi – Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, followed by a separate discussion with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, as both leaders prepared to attend the upcoming BRICS summit in Johannesburg. The gathering comes weeks after the bloc announced its expansion from five to eleven members, adding Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Argentina, Egypt, and others. While no formal joint declaration was issued, officials from all three capitals said the talks focused on “enhancing strategic cooperation,” trade facilitation, and coordinating positions on global governance issues such as climate, technology standards, and reform of multilateral institutions.

Putin used the New Delhi meeting to showcase Russia’s willingness to deepen defence and energy ties with India, unveiling a list of potential military supplies that includes the fifth‑generation Su‑57 fighter jet, a fleet of upgraded Sukhoi Super‑30 aircraft, and the S‑500 air‑defence system. In parallel, he reiterated Russia’s broader BRICS agenda, asserting that the bloc now accounts for roughly 40 % of world gross domestic product—a figure he contrasted with the G7’s share, which he described as “disproportionately influential” given its size. The Russian leader also pledged that BRICS cooperation would help boost global energy and food security, positioning the alliance as a counterweight to what Moscow views as Western supply chain volatility.

India’s diplomatic choreography reflects a delicate balancing act. While maintaining its long‑standing security partnership with the United States, New Delhi has sought to preserve strategic autonomy by deepening ties with both Moscow and Tehran, as well as preparing for a scheduled meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the summit. Analysts note that Modi’s outreach underscores India’s aim to reap economic and technological benefits from the enlarged BRICS while avoiding overt alignment that could strain relations with Western allies. The outcomes of the summit—particularly on issues ranging from sanctions relief to joint infrastructure projects—will likely shape the trajectory of India’s multi‑vector foreign policy in the months ahead.