Cultural diplomacy at BRICS Summit: Thirukkural gift underscores India-Russia soft power ties
Contents4
Hindustan Times - India · 12 Sept 2026 · 2 min read
Prelims · International relations Mains · GS2 International relations High relevance
PM Modi gifted a Russian translation of the Thirukkural to President Putin during BRICS Summit bilateral talks, strategically using cultural diplomacy to strengthen India-Russia relations beyond traditional defense and energy cooperation.
Key points
Thirukkural, a 1,330-couplet Tamil classic by Thiruvalluvar, was gifted in Russian translation, showcasing India's literary heritage while making it accessible to Putin.
The gift aligns with India's cultural diplomacy strategy, using soft power to complement ongoing strategic and economic discussions with Russia.
This connects to GS1-Indian Heritage and Culture as it highlights how classical texts can serve as instruments of international relations and cultural exchange.
The gesture comes amid discussions to expand bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030, showing the multifaceted nature of India-Russia relations.
INNOPROM India initiative for manufacturing partnerships was discussed, indicating a shift from defense to broader industrial cooperation.
[GS3-Economy] The talks included critical minerals cooperation, crucial for India's high-tech industries and supply chain resilience.
Nuclear energy cooperation expansion was on the agenda, including the nuclear fuel cycle, vital for India's energy security.
The meeting occurred during India's BRICS presidency, showcasing New Delhi's ability to balance bilateral and multilateral engagements.
Way Forward: India should institutionalize cultural exchanges through a permanent India-Russia cultural council, expand language translation programs for more classical texts, and integrate cultural diplomacy with economic partnerships in BRICS frameworks.
Key terms
- Thirukkural
- A classic Tamil text composed by Thiruvalluvar around 2nd century CE, structured into 1330 couplets (kurals) across three sections: virtue (aram), wealth (porul), and love (inbam). For UPSC, it represents India's ancient literary-philosophical traditions and their contemporary relevance in ethics, governance, and cultural diplomacy.
- Cultural Diplomacy
- A form of soft power where nations use cultural exchanges, artistic collaborations, and heritage showcases to build international relations. In India's context, it's increasingly deployed through Yoga, classical texts, and Buddhist connections to strengthen ties with strategic partners like Russia and ASEAN nations.
- INNOPROM India
- A bilateral industrial cooperation initiative launched in 2022 to enhance manufacturing partnerships between India and Russia, focusing on sectors like railways, steel, and heavy engineering. It represents India's efforts to diversify economic engagement beyond defense with traditional partners.
- BRICS Presidency
- The rotational leadership of the BRICS grouping (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa plus new members), where the presiding country sets the annual agenda. India's 2026 presidency focuses on multipolarity, local currency trade, and Global South representation, testing its ability to shape emerging world order.
Practice question
Discuss the significance of cultural diplomacy in strengthening India-Russia relations, with reference to the recent gifting of Thirukkural during the BRICS Summit. (250 words, 15 marks)
GS2 15 marks 250 words Mains
Key terms to include: Thirukkural Cultural Diplomacy Soft Power BRICS Presidency INNOPROM India Bilateral Trade Multilateral Engagement Strategic Partnership
Answer framework
Introduction
Introduce the context of India-Russia relations and the recent BRICS Summit where PM Modi gifted a Russian translation of Thirukkural to President Putin. Highlight the role of cultural diplomacy in international relations.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Thirukkural as a representation of India's ancient literary and philosophical heritage.
The gesture showcases India's soft power and cultural richness to a global audience.
Strategic Importance of Cultural Diplomacy
Complementing traditional defense and energy cooperation with cultural ties.
Building trust and mutual understanding beyond economic and strategic interests.
Economic and Multilateral Dimensions
Aligning cultural diplomacy with economic goals like the $100 billion trade target by 2030.
Leveraging BRICS presidency to integrate cultural exchanges with multilateral frameworks.
Way Forward for Bilateral Relations
Institutionalizing cultural exchanges through permanent councils.
Expanding language translation programs for more classical texts.
Integrating cultural diplomacy with industrial initiatives like INNOPROM India.
Conclusion
Emphasize the need for a balanced approach where cultural diplomacy complements strategic and economic partnerships, ensuring a holistic and sustainable relationship with Russia.
Fact check
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