PM Modi's special gift to Putin comes with a Tamil connection
Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted Russian President Vladimir Putin a Russian translation of the Thirukkural during their bilateral meeting in New Delhi. The leaders discussed deepening cooperation in defense, energy, and nuclear power ahead of the upcoming BRICS summit.
Why it matters
This meeting highlights the ongoing strategic partnership between India and Russia amidst complex global geopolitical tensions.
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.
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