Jhol momo, Tchaikovsky’s music and more… Inside the State dinner for Putin at Rashtrapati Bhavan

After holding long and eventful talks at Hyderabad House and attending a business-related event, Russian President Vladimir Putin ended his Day 2 of his India visit with a dinner. And this was no ordinary dinner but a State banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu and attended by several dignitaries from the government as well as other political parties of India.

The banquet at Rashtrapati Bhavan marked the culmination of the Russian leader’s two-day visit to India, during which he held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reaffirming India-Russia ties and inking new deals and agreements that would further this relationship.

A lavish ‘thali’ laid out for Putin

The state banquet in honour of Putin at the Rashtrapati Bhavan was a lavish culinary delight, highlighting India’s vast and varied food choices.

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The all-vegetarian affair featured regional dishes and began with a Murungelai Chaaru soup, a traditional South Indian rasam (soup), Kaale Chane Ke Shikampuri (pan-grilled black gram kebabs), and Vegetable Jhol Momo with spicy chutney.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin attends a festive reception in his honour in New Delhi. AFP

For the main course, Putin and other guests were served Zafrani Paneer Roll, Paalak Methi Mattar Ka Saag, Tandoori Bharwan Aloo, Achaari Baingan and Yellow Dal Tadka, accompanied by Dry Fruit and Saffron Pulao with Indian breads such as Laccha Parantha, Magaz Naan, Satanaj Roti, Missi Roti and Biscuity Roti.

Along with the dinner, beverages such as pomegranate, orange, carrot and ginger juice were also served.

President Droupadi Murmu and Russian President Vladimir Putin along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi sit down for a small discussion during the State dinner at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Image Courtesy: PIB

The State dinner ended on a sweet note with a traditional Badam Ka Halwa, Kesar-Pista Kulfi, and fresh fruits, with traditional accompaniments like Gur Sandesh, Murakku.

Hitting the high notes with Putin

The State dinner in honour of Vladimir Putin also featured a musical performance blending Indian classical music with Russian melodies.

The naval band and an ensemble of classical instrumentalists played melodious tunes, both from India and Russia. At one point, a song from Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan’s movie Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani rang out at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The music also paid tribute to Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky by performing The Nutcracker Suite.

President Droupadi Murmu and her Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin at the State dinner. The banquet marked the end of Putin's two-day visit to India. Image Courtesy: PIB

High praise and warmth at the dinner

At the banquet, Putin toasted to the partnership between the two nations. “Fifteen years ago, we signed an important declaration that elevated our relations to a new level, the level of a specially privileged strategic partnership. This partnership is developing based on the principles of equality, respect and mutual consideration of our interests. It is getting substantiated even more. Our talks with our Indian friends yesterday and today were genuinely open and constructive. The declaration that we have adopted encompasses a wide range of cooperation across different spheres, including politics, security, the economy and trade, energy, education, and other areas. I am sure that this declaration, along with the other documents, will give a strong push to the development of our bilateral relations.”

President Murmu receives Russian President Vladimir Putin at the banquet in his honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Image Courtesy: PIB

He further added that India and Russia are working to establish a fair and just world order, describing the India-Russia partnership as “go together, grow together”.

In turn, President Droupadi Murmu also welcomed Putin, saying, “Today holds special significance for us as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the India-Russia Strategic Partnership... The India-Russia partnership is based on a shared commitment to peace, stability, and mutual socio-economic and technological progress. The year 2025 has been a highly successful year for our multifaceted relationship... The Joint Statement issued for the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit expresses our special relationship and offers a broad roadmap to deepen our bilateral engagement.”

External Affairs Minister bids goodbye to Russian President Vladimir Putin as he departs Delhi after a successful two-day visit. Image Courtesy: @MEAIndia/X

Shortly after the dinner, Russian President Putin departed from Delhi, ending his two-day visit on a high. He was seen off by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at the airport.

With inputs from agencies