India, Sept. 11 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin landed in New Delhi on Friday for a three-day visit built around the 18th BRICS Summit, a gathering that analysts say is likely to be overshadowed by the wars in Iran and Ukraine as much as by the economic cooperation it was designed to showcase.

Putin's arrival, alongside that of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and an expected visit from Chinese President Xi Jinping, has turned the Indian capital into the centre of high-stakes diplomacy as the 11-member bloc marks its 20th anniversary under India's chairship.

BRICS Summit 2026: Why Is Putin In India?

Putin touched down at Palam Air Force Station in New Delhi early Friday, where he was received by India's Minister of State for Ext...