Modi-Putin bilateral ahead of BRICS Summit focuses on defense, energy, and de-dollarization

Livemint - Politics · 10 Sept 2026 · 2 min read
Prelims · International relations Mains · GS2 International relations High relevance

Prime Minister Modi and President Putin will hold bilateral talks focusing on Su-57 fighter jets, nuclear energy cooperation, and trade in national currencies, setting the stage for India's BRICS presidency focused on multipolarity and Global South representation.

Key points

BRICS Summit 2026: India hosts the 18th edition under the theme 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability', with 350 preparatory meetings held across 25 Indian cities, showcasing India's diplomatic outreach.

Defense Cooperation: Negotiations on Su-57 stealth fighter jets and new nuclear power plants highlight the enduring India-Russia strategic partnership despite Western pressure on Moscow over Ukraine.

De-dollarization: Russia reports 90% of BRICS transactions now in national currencies, challenging dollar hegemony and creating alternatives to Western financial systems that impose sanctions.

Ukraine Peace Stance: PM Modi reiterated India's position at the SCO Summit, advocating for diplomatic solutions, connecting to India's balanced approach in [GS2-International Relations] between strategic autonomy and global responsibility.

BRICS Expansion: Russia supports adding new members, reflecting the bloc's growing influence as a counterweight to G7-led global governance structures.

[GS3-Economy] The push for national currency trade aligns with India's long-term goal of rupee internationalization and reducing forex risks from dollar volatility.

China Factor: Potential Modi-Xi bilateral could address border tensions, with China sending a 400-strong delegation, indicating complex interplay between BRICS cooperation and bilateral disputes.

Global South Representation: The Summit includes outreach to Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and others, amplifying developing world voices in multilateral forums.

Way Forward: India should institutionalize BRICS currency swap mechanisms, create a BRICS energy security framework, and establish a standing working group on technology transfers to reduce critical dependencies.

Key terms

De-dollarization

The process of reducing reliance on the US dollar in international trade and finance. For UPSC, this connects to India's economic sovereignty agenda, rupee internationalization efforts, and creating alternatives to Western-dominated financial systems that impose sanctions.

Global South

A term referring to developing countries primarily in Asia, Africa and Latin America. In BRICS context, it signifies India's leadership role in amplifying developing world concerns about unequal global economic governance, climate justice, and technology access.

BRICS

An intergovernmental organization comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, formed in 2009 to enhance cooperation in political, economic and cultural spheres among major emerging economies. For UPSC, it represents India's strategic multilateral engagement to reform global governance structures dominated by Western powers.

Su-57 Fighter Jet

Russia's fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter aircraft, representing advanced military technology cooperation. Relevant for GS3-Security as India seeks to modernize its air force while balancing relations between Russia (traditional supplier) and Western defense partners.