Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded his two-day visit to India on Friday with a grand farewell dinner hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The evening combined India’s rich culinary traditions with cultural elegance, underscoring the enduring strength of India–Russia relations.
Hosted in honour of the visiting leader, the banquet featured a curated selection of regional dishes and a musical fusion crafted especially for the occasion. The event was designed to offer Putin an immersive experience of India’s diverse flavours and artistic heritage before he departed for Moscow.
A Culinary Journey Across India
The dinner began with Murungelai Chaaru, a tangy South Indian-style rasam, setting the tone for an evening of flavours from across the country. The appetiser course showcased a range of regional specialities, including Gucchi Doon Chetin—stuffed morels served with Kashmiri walnut chutney—Kaale Chane Ke Shikampuri Kebabs, and Vegetable Jhol Momos paired with a fiery dip, according to ANI.
A Lavish Vegetarian Main Course
The main course celebrated India’s vegetarian culinary heritage. The menu featured:
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Zafrani Paneer Roll
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Paalak Methi Mattar Saag
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Tandoori Bharwan Aloo
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Achaari Baingan
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Yellow Dal Tadka
These were accompanied by Dry Fruit–Saffron Pulao and an assortment of Indian breads such as Laccha Parantha, Magaz Naan, Satanaaj Roti, Missi Roti, and the crisp Biscuity Roti.
Traditional Desserts and Refreshing Beverages
Desserts included a trio of classics—Badam Halwa, Kesar-Pista Kulfi, and seasonal fruits—alongside Gur Sandesh, Murukku, assorted pickles, and fresh salads.
The beverage menu featured refreshing blends of pomegranate, orange, carrot, and ginger juices.
A Musical Fusion of India and Russia
Music played a central role in creating an elegant ambience. The Rashtrapati Bhavan Naval Band collaborated with celebrated Indian classical instrumentalists to present a fusion of Indian ragas—such as Amritavarshini, Yaman, Khamaj, Bhairavi, Shivranjini, Desh, and Nalinakanthi—with Russian folk and classical favourites, including Kalinka, excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, and the Bollywood classic Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani.
Putin Praises India–Russia Strategic Partnership
During the evening, President Putin reflected on the growth of India–Russia relations. He highlighted the new joint declaration signed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which strengthens cooperation in politics, defence, trade, energy, education, and other fields. He noted that the document builds on the landmark agreement from 15 years ago that elevated bilateral ties to a “specially privileged strategic partnership.”
Putin also stressed the shared aspiration of both nations for a more balanced global order anchored in the United Nations. He used India’s own phrase, “go together, grow together,” to describe the partnership.
President Murmu, in her remarks, emphasised the 25th anniversary of the India–Russia Strategic Partnership. She said 2025 had been a particularly productive year with deeper engagement across multiple sectors. The joint statement from the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit outlines an ambitious roadmap for future cooperation.
Following the banquet, Putin departed from Delhi, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar accompanying him to the airport.
Throughout his visit, Putin and PM Modi held wide-ranging discussions on connectivity, economic collaboration, and tourism. India announced a 30-day free e-tourist visa and a 30-day group tourist visa for Russian travellers as part of efforts to boost people-to-people ties.
