PM Modi, Putin share car ride in Delhi, weeks after traveling together in Bishkek - watch
During an informal car ride in Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin rekindled their camaraderie, continuing their tradition of traveling together. This ride marks their fourth time sharing a vehicle, following earlier occasions in Bishkek and Tianjin. Their private talks during the journey underscore the depth of their diplomatic ties and mutual understanding.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented Russian President Vladimir Putin with a Russian translation of the Thirukkural, an ancient Tamil classic by poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar, during their meeting in New Delhi. The translation, published in 2026 by the Central Institute of Classical Tamil, aims to carry Thiruvalluvar's wisdom across languages and borders.
Modi highlighted this gesture on social media platform X, emphasizing the universal relevance of the Thirukkural's themes of ethics, governance, friendship, justice, and personal conduct. The meeting preceded the two-day Brics Summit, where Putin is visiting India for a three-day stay. The bilateral discussions, taking place at Bharat Mandapam, are expected to focus on strengthening cooperation in defense, energy, trade, and civil nuclear power.
Defense is anticipated to be a significant area of engagement, with both sides exploring technological upgrades like the BrahMos missile system, while Russia remains committed to the S-400 air-defence system delivery and potential Su-57 fighter jet supply to India. Energy and nuclear cooperation are also on the agenda, as Russia looks to expand its involvement in India's civil nuclear program.
The PM's gesture of gifting Putin the Thirukkural underscores the symbolic connection between the two nations through the renowned Tamil literary work.
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- PM Modi's special gift to Putin comes with a Tamil connection timesofindia.indiatimes.com
