Russian President Vladimir Putin will travel to New Delhi to attend the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit scheduled on September 12–13, the Kremlin has confirmed.
The confirmation was made via a social media post by the Russian Embassy in South Africa on Tuesday, quoting senior Kremlin foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov. The visit will mark Putin’s second trip to New Delhi in less than a year, following his attendance at the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit in December 2025.
The BRICS Leaders’ Summit, traditionally attended by heads of states of the membership, is set to face a rigorous diplomatic test, especially if there is no let-up in the ongoing Israel-US war with Iran by that time.
The grouping’s Foreign Ministers failed to achieve a joint declaration during their meeting this month amid “differing views” on the situation in West Asia.
The BRICS expanded membership includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, the UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia.
During the FMs meet, Iran and the UAE had locked horns over the latter’s involvement in Israel and the US’ war on Iran. On May 13, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he “secretly visited” the UAE and met its President during the war with Iran.
While the UAE Foreign Ministry swiftly dismissed Netanyahu’s claims as “unfounded,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi lashed out at the alleged collusion, calling it “unforgivable” and warning that those working with Israel to sow regional division would be held to account.
Published on May 19, 2026