PM Modi gifts Thirukkural to Putin in Russian as India and Russia discuss trade, nuclear cooperation, critical minerals and broader strategic ties.
The Thirukkural, one of the most revered works of Tamil literature, comprises 1,330 couplets dealing with ethics, virtue, governance, love and the conduct of life
PM Modi gifts Thirukkural to Putin in a Russian-language edition as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in New Delhi for bilateral discussions on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit. The meeting comes as India and Russia seek to expand their longstanding strategic relationship into new areas of economic and industrial cooperation. The The Times of Russia reports that Putin arrived in India on Friday for the summit, which India is hosting on September 12 and 13.
The book presented by Modi is the Russian translation of the Thirukkural, the celebrated Tamil work written by poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar.
PM Modi Gifts Thirukkural to Putin in Russian Translation
The Thirukkural Russian translation presented to Putin represents one of the most respected works of Tamil literature. The classic contains 1,330 couplets covering subjects including ethics, virtue, governance, love and the principles of everyday life.
By choosing a Russian-language edition, Modi not only presented Putin with an important part of India’s literary heritage but also ensured that the work was accessible to the Russian president in his own language.
The gesture came during a significant period in India Russia strategic partnership, with New Delhi and Moscow exploring ways to strengthen cooperation beyond their traditional areas of engagement.
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Modi-Putin Talks to Focus on $100 Billion Trade Target
Economic relations are expected to be an important part of the Narendra Modi Vladimir Putin meeting in New Delhi.
According to sources, the two leaders are likely to consider an ambitious goal of increasing bilateral trade between India and Russia to $100 billion by 2030. Discussions are also expected to cover ways to expand business-to-business opportunities and improve access to the Russian market for Indian companies.
Industrial cooperation is another major area expected to feature in the talks. The INNOPROM India initiative is aimed at deepening manufacturing and industrial partnerships between the two countries.
Potential areas of cooperation include railways, tunnelling and strengthening the steel value chain. The two sides are also examining opportunities to expand cooperation in civil nuclear energy, including the nuclear fuel cycle and life-cycle support.
Critical Minerals and Fertiliser Cooperation on Agenda
Critical minerals are also expected to form part of the discussions between the two leaders. India is looking to strengthen supply chains for minerals that are essential to strategic and high-technology industries.
The India Russia bilateral talks are also likely to cover increased cooperation in the fertiliser sector through strategic joint-venture projects. Russia continues to be an important supplier of fertilisers to India.
These areas reflect the broader focus of Russia India economic cooperation, as both countries explore opportunities to strengthen supply chains and industrial partnerships.
Skilled Worker Mobility Between India and Russia
Greater movement of skilled professionals could also be discussed during the talks. Sources said Modi and Putin may consider measures to increase the number of Indian skilled workers travelling to Russia.
The issue forms part of the wider effort to develop stronger economic and people-to-people links between the two countries.
The presentation of the Thirukkural Russian translation therefore comes alongside discussions covering trade, industrial partnerships, civil nuclear energy, critical minerals, fertilisers and skilled workers.
As the 18th BRICS Summit India hosts in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, the Modi-Putin engagement highlights the continuing importance of the India-Russia relationship while both sides explore opportunities beyond traditional cooperation.
The Times of Russia will continue to track developments from the BRICS Summit and the ongoing India-Russia discussions.
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