Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted Russian President Vladimir Putin a Russian translation of the Thirukkural on Friday, ahead of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
Published by the Central Institute of Classical Tamil, the 2026 edition contains the original Tamil verses of poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar, along with transliteration and a Russian translation by Naira Mkrtchyan.
Presented President Putin with a Russian translation of the Thirukkural, which carries the eternal wisdom of the great Thiruvalluvar across languages and borders. pic.twitter.com/rvk3rRDnvg
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 11, 2026
Thirukkural is a renowned work of classical Tamil literature that focuses on morality and different aspects of human life, including ethics, conduct, birth and death. The work is attributed to Thiruvalluvar and is believed to have been composed between 300 BCE and 500 CE. It has also been translated into several languages worldwide.
By presenting Putin with the Russian-language edition, Modi showcased India’s literary and cultural heritage while offering the Russian leader a version in his own language.
The gift also comes as India and Russia look to strengthen their longstanding strategic partnership and broaden cooperation. Trade, nuclear energy and critical minerals are among the key areas expected to feature in Modi and Putin’s discussions.
The Thirukkural’s focus on virtue, ethics, governance and human values also adds a broader diplomatic significance to the gesture.
