Putin, Modi hold talks on the sidelines of BRICS Summit

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting in New Delhi on Friday ahead of the BRICS Summit. Both leaders reviewed defense cooperation, including talks on the S-400 system, potential upgrades to the BrahMos missile, and Russia's Su-57 stealth fighter jet.

Both sides highlighted the growing use of local currencies to conduct payment exchanges and bypass external pressures. Discussions also centered on Russian crude oil supplies, which remain a major pillar of bilateral trade.