Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to discuss boosting the presence of Indian cinema in Russia with Prime Minister Narendra Modi when they meet at the upcoming BRICS Summit.

What Happened: Putin recently said Bollywood enjoys immense popularity in Russia, surpassing entertainment from any other BRICS nations. Indian films have long been a cultural staple in Russia, and Putin said the country even has a dedicated TV channel broadcasting Bollywood movies around the clock.

The Russian premier said he will likely discuss the issue with Prime Minister Modi, who will travel to Kazan for the 16th BRICS Summit from October 22 to 23. The BRICS Summit, an annual gathering of five major emerging economies — Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa — serves as a platform for these nations to discuss global economic and political issues. This year, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine is also likely to be a major focal point.

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Long History: This discussion marks a new phase in cultural diplomacy between the two countries, building on Bollywood’s historic success in the region. While stars like Raj Kapoor and Mithun Chakraborty remain iconic figures in Russia, Putin aims to further promote Indian films, viewing the film industry as an integral part of strengthening bilateral ties.

"Cinema products and the film industry are a part of the economy and are to be duly regulated. India has made a lot of decisions to protect its own market," Putin said.

Beyond cinema, the two leaders are also expected to explore broader economic collaborations in areas such as the automotive and pharmaceutical industries. A major focus for India and Russia at the event will be human resources, with Russia reportedly looking to host a larger Indian workforce in various sectors.

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