New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday discussed India-Russia engagement in the multilateral sphere, including cooperation through BRICS, during their bilateral meeting in New Delhi.

The talks came as India hosted the 18th BRICS Summit, with wider economic and geopolitical cooperation among member nations featuring prominently in discussions on the sidelines of the gathering.

The two leaders later travelled to Bharat Mandapam and visited the INNOPROM Exhibition, highlighting the growing emphasis on industrial and economic cooperation between India and Russia. 

Modi, Putin discuss BRICS and wider multilateral cooperation

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Modi and Putin exchanged views on the two countries' engagement in multilateral forums, with BRICS among the key areas discussed.

At the BRICS Business Forum, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said the share of BRICS nations in global exports has risen sharply, reaching nearly 24 per cent, compared with around half that level earlier.

The developments come against the backdrop of India's efforts to strengthen economic engagement within the BRICS framework while simultaneously expanding its bilateral relationship with Russia.

INNOPROM visit puts industrial ties in focus

Following their bilateral meeting, Modi and Putin shared a car ride to Bharat Mandapam before touring the INNOPROM exhibition. Watch the video below: 

The exhibition has emerged as an important platform for showcasing industrial capabilities and exploring business partnerships between India and Russia.

Its successful expansion in India was also understood to have figured in the leaders' discussions.

The two sides are additionally looking at ways to expand bilateral commerce, with an ambitious target of taking India-Russia trade to $100 billion by 2030 being discussed.

The focus on manufacturing, industrial partnerships, and market opportunities comes as both countries seek to broaden their economic relationship beyond traditional areas of cooperation.