PM Modi gives Russian translation of Thiruvalluvar's classical Tamil poem collection to Putin
Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a Russian translation of the Thirukkural to President Vladimir Putin during a bilateral meeting in Delhi. The meeting precedes the BRICS Summit and focuses on strengthening defense and energy cooperation between the two nations.
Why it matters
The gesture underscores the diplomatic efforts to maintain strong ties between India and Russia amidst complex global geopolitical tensions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (September 11, 2026) gave a copy of the Russian translation of Thirukkural -- the classical Tamil poem collection authored by legendary poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar -- during his bilateral meeting with President Vladimir Putin ahead of the BRICS Summit.
Thirukkural, a seminal work by much-revered Thiruvalluvar, contains words of wisdom on multiple subjects.
"Presented President Putin with a Russian translation of the Thirukkural, which carries the eternal wisdom of the great Thiruvalluvar across languages and borders," Mr. Modi posted on X.
ரஷ்ய அதிபர் புதினுக்கு தெய்வப்புலவர் திருவள்ளுவரின் திருக்குறள் ரஷ்ய மொழிபெயர்ப்பு பிரதியை பரிசளித்தேன். திருக்குறள் தேச எல்லைகள், மொழிகளைக் கடந்த திருவள்ளுவரின் அளப்பரிய ஞானத்தைப் பறைசாற்றுகிறது. pic.twitter.com/7bNWMcMTH7
He also shared a small video clip of his meeting with Mr. Putin, as the two leaders cordially shook hands after the prime minister presented him with the book.
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