PM Modi gifts Russian translation of Thirukkural to Putin in New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday gifted Russian President Vladimir Putin a Russian translation of the Thirukkural, the ancient Tamil classic by poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar, during their bilateral meeting in New Delhi ahead of the Brics Summit.

The edition, published in 2026 by the Central Institute of Classical Tamil, has been translated into Russian by Naira Mkrtchyan. The institute lists the volume as part of its Thirukkural translation series. The Thirukkural is one of the best-known works of classical Tamil literature. The work covers themes ranging from ethics and governance to friendship, justice and personal conduct, and has been translated into several languages.

PM Modi and Putin held bilateral talks at Bharat Mandapam on Friday, a day before the two-day Brics Summit begins in New Delhi. Putin arrived in the capital earlier in the day on a three-day visit to India. The talks come amid efforts by India and Russia to deepen cooperation across defence, energy, trade and civil nuclear power.

Defence is expected to remain a key part of the engagement. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has said the two sides are exploring upgrades to the BrahMos missile system, while Russia remains committed to completing deliveries of the S-400 air-defence system and has also been discussing the possible supply of Su-57 fighter jets to India.

Energy and nuclear cooperation are also on the agenda, with Moscow looking to expand its role in India's civil nuclear programme. PM Modi and Putin had last met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, where the Ukraine conflict was among the issues discussed. The Brics Summit will be held in New Delhi on September 12-13, with leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian among those attending.