India–Russia Friendship at the World Book Fair: A Bond Strengthened Through Words and Ideas
New Delhi: The Delhi World Book Fair 2026, being held from January 10 to 18 at Bharat Mandapam, is not just an exhibition of books but has emerged as a vibrant platform for cultural dialogue and intellectual partnership among nations. This year, the strong presence of India–Russia friendship at the fair has made it clear that ties between the two countries go far beyond diplomacy or politics, extending deep into literature, culture, and shared values.
Russia’s Strong International Presence
Russia’s participation added a distinct international dimension to the fair. The Russian Pavilion at Bharat Mandapam became a major attraction, featuring publishers, literary institutions, and cultural representatives from Russia. Renowned Russian writers Roman Senchin and Ilya Kochergin, along with celebrated playwright Yaroslava Pulinovich, interacted with Indian readers and literature enthusiasts, offering them a direct window into contemporary Russian literature.
Beyond Politics: A Relationship of Ideas
Discussions at the World Book Fair underlined that India–Russia relations are rooted not only in strategic or political cooperation but also in shared ideas, history, and cultural understanding. Dialogues between Russian authors and Indian literary figures covered themes such as society, war and peace, human emotions, children’s literature, and global publishing. These exchanges highlighted common concerns and similar perspectives in both societies.
Experts noted that such interactions further strengthened the fair’s international stature and demonstrated that India’s literary platforms can play an active and influential role in global literature. Russian writer and forest officer Ilya Kochergin described writing as a dialogue with the natural world. Referring to his book Emergency Exit, which narrates his bond with an ageing horse, he portrayed literature as a space where human and non-human lives intersect, while emphasizing the need for language to continuously evolve to stay connected with contemporary readers.
Friendship Reaching the New Generation
The significant presence of students and Gen-Z visitors at the fair indicated that India–Russia friendship is not merely a legacy of the past but also a partnership for the future. Young readers showed keen interest in Russian literature, translated works, and cultural programs, reflecting how this relationship is naturally passing on to the next generation. Many young visitors were particularly curious about Russian children’s literature and contemporary writing.
Reinterpreting Decades-Old Cultural Ties
The fair offered a renewed perspective on the decades-old cultural relationship between India and Russia through books, translations, and discussions. A special session held on January 17 focused on the role of Russian books in the Indian publishing industry and explored future opportunities for collaboration. The session proved to be a promising platform for opening new avenues of cooperation between publishers of both countries.
Friendship Strengthened Through Literature
With this year’s theme centered on Indian military history and participation from over 35 countries, Russia’s presence also underscored the importance of literature in understanding historical experiences and struggles. Both India and Russia share histories marked by conflict, sacrifice, and strong national consciousness—elements that literature has preserved and passed down through generations.
Overall, the Delhi World Book Fair 2026 showcased how India–Russia friendship is being further strengthened through words and ideas. The event stands as a testament to the fact that when books become a medium of dialogue, distances between nations naturally diminish and relationships grow deeper with time.