PM Modi gifts ‘Tirukkural’ to Putin: Why revered Tamil text matters

On Friday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin commenced discussions in New Delhi, marking their second meeting in two weeks. Their agenda is expected to center on trade, energy, and defense ties between the two nations, which have maintained a close relationship for some time. The talks are scheduled to take place on the eve of the annual Brics leaders summit, which will see the attendance of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian, among others.

During their previous meeting at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on August 31, Modi expressed to Putin that the war in Ukraine must cease for the sake of humanity and pledged India's support for any peace efforts to halt the fighting. As one of the largest purchasers of Russian oil, India plays a significant role in aiding Moscow's financial recovery after its military intervention in Ukraine in 2022 and subsequent Western sanctions.

Despite this, India has attempted to resist pressure by emphasizing the need for secure, affordable, and reliable energy supplies for its vast population. Additionally, India has maintained that the Ukraine conflict can only be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, rather than through restricted trade. Russia's share of Indian crude imports peaked at a record 51% in July 2026 due to disruptions in Middle Eastern oil supplies, but this likely decreased in August as China increased its purchases of Russian oil.

Modi's invitation to Brics leaders, including Iranian President Pezeshkian, comes as the summit faces challenges, particularly in addressing the Middle East conflict. The event, set to commence on Saturday, will mark a significant step in diplomatic relations between China and India, which have warmed since a bilateral clash along their disputed border six years ago.

Despite deep mistrust and ongoing issues such as a widening trade deficit, the leaders are exploring avenues for enhanced cooperation.