Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed on Friday to strengthen their nations’ long-standing relationship, with Putin stating that the BRICS alliance should create a new framework for global development independent of Western regulations.
New Delhi is pursuing a delicate diplomatic balance, seeking to preserve robust relations with the U.S., Gulf Arab nations, Russia, Iran, and Israel, even as it faces the consequences of shipping and trade disruptions caused by the wars in Ukraine and Iran.
The BRICS alliance is working to boost its global standing by shaping international rules and institutions, even though its members are divided over the Gulf conflict, with Iran and the UAE backing opposing sides.
Putin’s special envoy Kirill Dmitriev told Reuters that BRICS is evolving from a geopolitical alliance into a more pragmatic economic partnership, aimed at fostering collaboration among businesses, technology firms, and investors, while also enhancing payment systems and shared infrastructure.
We have long been taught that competition is untouchable, a kind of sacred cow that should never be interfered with," Putin said at a BRICS business forum. "However, today, Western rivals are, regrettably, attempting by all possible means to restore their previous dominance."
This rivalry is at times taking on disturbing shapes," he remarked, as Modi, Pezeshkian and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa listened. "It even involves direct physical assaults and the sabotage of industrial and logistical infrastructure, pipelines, and similar assets."
Putin claimed that efforts were underway to obstruct international transport routes and seize ships, though he did not provide details.
He said that “unlawful restrictions” were being introduced, along with threats of so-called secondary sanctions against those who decline to serve others’ interests and instead prioritize their own national interests. He added that BRICS would create “a new, sustainable foundation for global growth.”
Putin’s remarks mirrored those of BRICS finance ministers and central bank governors, who voiced deep concern over what they described as the unilateral application of trade and financial measures—such as higher tariffs and non-tariff barriers—that disrupt trade and violate WTO rules.
Last year, the BRICS summit provoked the anger of U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened to impose an additional 10% tariff on any nation that aligned itself with what he described as the BRICS group’s 'Anti-American policies.'
Washington has further warned that it may levy an additional 100% tariff on nations that persist in purchasing Russian oil and gas, targeting major importers such as India and China.
Previously, Modi and Putin exchanged views on the conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea region, which have affected maritime trade as well as the safety and security of Indian seafarers, according to a statement from India’s foreign ministry.
"The two leaders agreed to remain engaged in an effort to strengthen further the special and privileged strategic partnership between the two countries," the foreign ministry statement said.
India, along with China, is one of the biggest buyers of Russian oil, which is seen as helping Moscow replenish its budget since it launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and was hit with sweeping Western sanctions.
India has sought to resist the pressure to scale back the trade, saying its large population and economy need secure, affordable and reliable energy supplies.
India and Russia have announced plans to increase their bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030, up from nearly $70 billion in 2024–25.
