Morning digest: Russian President Putin arrives in Delhi ahead of BRICS summit; Envoy says India-Canada trade deal by the end of the year, and more

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday (September 11, 2026) began a three-day visit to India to participate in the BRICS summit and meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to expand bilateral trade, investment and energy cooperation. Mr. Putin is accompanied by a high-level delegation.

The India-Canada trade deal will be ready by the end of the year, Canadian High Commissioner Christopher Cooter told The Hindu, adding that the two countries are planning for their increased engagement this year to culminate in a visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Canada in December.

Ladakh Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra said on Thursday (September 10, 2026) that neither statehood nor a Union Territory (UT) with a legislature is being offered to Ladakh; instead, it will be a sui generis model, a unique body under the Constitution that will have legislative, executive, and financial powers.