New Delhi, Sep 11: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday presented Russian President Vladimir Putin with a Russian translation of Thirukkural, the classical Tamil literary work authored by revered poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar, during their bilateral meeting ahead of the BRICS Summit.
Sharing a picture and a short video of the meeting on X, Modi said he presented Putin with the Russian edition of the celebrated work to carry the timeless wisdom of Thiruvalluvar across languages and borders.
"Presented President Putin with a Russian translation of the Thirukkural, which carries the eternal wisdom of the great Thiruvalluvar across languages and borders," Modi posted.
The two leaders held wide-ranging discussions at Bharat Mandapam, a day before the BRICS Summit, which India is hosting on September 12 and 13.
Their talks are expected to focus on further strengthening bilateral ties, including efforts to increase annual India-Russia trade to USD 100 billion by 2030 and expand cooperation in defence, energy and critical minerals.
The leaders are also likely to discuss ways to deepen the two countries' longstanding defence cooperation.
Putin arrived in New Delhi earlier on Friday on a three-day visit to attend the BRICS Summit. Modi warmly welcomed the Russian president at Bharat Mandapam, which has been decorated for the high-level gathering.
The copy of Thirukkural presented to Putin bears an image of Thiruvalluvar on its cover and is part of the Ancient Tamil Classics in Translation Series -- Text, Transliteration and Translation.
Thirukkural, regarded as a seminal work of Tamil literature, contains teachings and reflections on a wide range of subjects, including ethics, governance, social conduct and economic life.
In January 2026, while addressing a gathering during Pongal celebrations in New Delhi, Modi had also highlighted that Thirukkural contains extensive references to agriculture and farmers.
