Russian President Vladimir Putin’s two-day India visit concluded on Friday with a lavish vegetarian banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, showcasing India’s rich culinary diversity and the deepening warmth of bilateral ties. The meticulously curated menu took Putin on a pan-Indian gastronomic journey, blending regional flavours with subtle diplomatic symbolism.

The evening began with Murungelai Chaaru, a tangy South Indian rasam, followed by appetisers like Kashmiri Gucchi Doon Chetin (morel mushrooms stuffed with walnut chutney), Hyderabadi Kaale Chane Ke Shikampuri kebabs, and Vegetable Jhol Momos with a fiery dip. The main course featured an all-vegetarian spread: Zafrani Paneer Roll, Paalak Methi Mattar Saag, Tandoori Bharwan Aloo, Achaari Baingan, and Yellow Dal Tadka, served alongside Dry Fruit-Saffron Pulao and an array of breads—Laccha Parantha, Magaz Naan, Satanaaj Roti, Missi Roti, and Biscuity Roti.

Desserts rounded off the feast with Badam Halwa, Kesar-Pista Kulfi, Gur Sandesh, Murukku, seasonal fruits, and refreshing juices of pomegranate, orange, carrot, and ginger. The menu deliberately highlighted India’s vegetarian heritage while subtly accommodating Putin’s known preference for lighter, plant-based meals during official visits.

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Adding to the cultural resonance, the Rashtrapati Bhavan Naval Band collaborated with classical musicians to perform a unique Indo-Russian fusion set. Indian ragas such as Amritavarshini, Yaman, Khamaj, Bhairavi, Shivranjini, Desh, and Nalinakanthi blended seamlessly with Russian classics like Kalinka, excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, and the Bollywood anthem Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani.

In his toast, President Putin praised the new joint declaration signed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing the relationship as a “specially privileged strategic partnership” and echoing India’s phrase “go together, grow together.” President Murmu highlighted the 25th anniversary of the strategic partnership and hailed 2025 as an exceptionally productive year for cooperation across defence, energy, trade, education, and culture.

The grand farewell dinner capped a visit that saw India and Russia pledge to elevate bilateral trade to $100 billion and deepen collaboration in nuclear energy, defence co-production, and Arctic projects, reaffirming their time-tested friendship amid a shifting global order.

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