Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin have begun high-level bilateral talks in New Delhi, with trade, defence, economic cooperation and strategic ties at the centre of the India-Russia agenda. A major highlight of the meeting was Modi's presentation of a Russian translation of the Thirukkural to Putin, bringing Tamil classical literature and India's cultural heritage into the diplomatic engagement. The Thirukkural, comprising 1,330 couplets, added a significant cultural dimension to the leaders' discussions. The talks also focus on an ambitious $100 billion India-Russia bilateral trade target by 2030, with New Delhi seeking greater access to Russian markets and expanded industrial cooperation across sectors including railways and tunnelling. WATCH

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in New Zealand on the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 40 years, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations. Welcomed with a traditional Māori Powhiri ceremony, PM Modi held talks with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. The two leaders elevated ties to a Strategic Partnership, unveiled the India–New Zealand Strategic Partnership Roadmap to 2030, and set an ambitious goal of doubling bilateral trade to NZ$7 billion (around ₹35,000 crore) by 2030.