PM Modi meets Putin in Delhi, gifts Russian translation of Thirukkural

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held bilateral talks at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on Friday, with economic ties, energy and industrial cooperation among the key areas expected to feature in their discussions.

Putin arrived in the national capital earlier in the day to attend the 18th BRICS Summit, being hosted by India on September 12 and 13. His meeting with Modi comes as the two countries look to expand their longstanding strategic partnership into newer areas.

Modi gifts Putin Russian translation of Thirukkural

During the meeting, Modi gifted Putin a Russian translation of the Thirukkural, the celebrated Tamil classic by poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar.

The Thirukkural comprises 1,330 couplets covering themes such as ethics, virtue, governance, love and the conduct of life. By choosing a Russian-language edition, Modi presented one of India's most revered literary works in a form accessible to the Russian president.

The gift also highlights the cultural dimension of the India-Russia relationship as both countries explore ways to broaden their cooperation beyond traditional areas.

$100 billion trade target on agenda

The talks are expected to focus strongly on expanding bilateral trade and economic cooperation. According to sources, Modi and Putin are likely to discuss a target of taking India-Russia trade to $100 billion by 2030.

The two sides are also expected to look at creating more business opportunities and improving access for Indian companies in the Russian market.

Industrial cooperation is another key area, with the INNOPROM India initiative expected to feature in discussions. Potential areas include railways, tunnelling and the steel value chain.

Nuclear energy, critical minerals also in focus

Civil nuclear cooperation is also expected to be discussed, including the nuclear fuel cycle and life-cycle support.

India and Russia could further explore cooperation in critical minerals, an area important for strengthening supplies to strategic and high-technology industries. Fertiliser cooperation through joint-venture projects is another area under consideration, with Russia remaining an important supplier to India.

The leaders may also discuss increasing the movement of skilled Indian workers to Russia.

Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Delhi on Friday for the BRICS Summit and a bilateral meeting with Modi. It is his first visit to India as Iran's president.