From Zafrani Paneer to Jhol Momos: Inside Rashtrapati Bhavan’s Lavish Farewell Dinner for Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded his two-day visit to India on Friday with a grand farewell dinner hosted in his honour by President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The evening blended India’s culinary heritage, cultural richness and diplomatic warmth, offering Putin a memorable send-off before he departed for Moscow.

A Culinary Showcase of India’s Diversity

The banquet opened with Murungelai Chaaru, a tangy South Indian-style rasam, setting the tone for a meal that showcased India’s regional flavours. According to ANI, the appetisers included:

• Gucchi Doon Chetin – Kashmiri morels stuffed and served with walnut chutney

• Kaale Chane Ke Shikampuri Kebabs

• Vegetable Jhol Momos paired with a spicy dip

For the main course, Rashtrapati Bhavan chefs curated a lavish all-vegetarian spread:

• Zafrani Paneer Roll

• Paalak Methi Mattar Saag

• Tandoori Bharwan Aloo

• Achaari Baingan

• Yellow Dal Tadka

These were served alongside Dry Fruit–Saffron Pulao and a broad selection of Indian breads including Laccha Parantha, Magaz Naan, Satanaaj Roti, Missi Roti, and a crisp Biscuity Roti.

Sweet Finale and Indian Classical Fusion

Desserts featured a trio of timeless favourites — Badam Halwa, Kesar-Pista Kulfi, and fresh seasonal fruits. Guests were also offered Gur Sandesh, Murukku, pickles and fresh salads.
The beverage menu included refreshing juice blends made from pomegranate, orange, carrot and ginger.

Music added a refined flourish to the evening. The Rashtrapati Bhavan Naval Band, accompanied by veteran classical instrumentalists, performed a fusion repertoire. Indian ragas such as Amritavarshini, Yaman, Khamaj, Bhairavi, Shivranjini, Desh, and Nalinakanthi were woven together with Russian folk tunes like Kalinka, selections from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, and even the Bollywood classic Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani.

Putin Praises Deepening India–Russia Partnership

During his address, President Putin lauded the growing depth and maturity of India–Russia relations. He highlighted the new joint declaration signed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which covers cooperation across politics, defence, energy, trade, education, and connectivity. He recalled the landmark agreement inked 15 years ago, calling the ties a “specially privileged strategic partnership.”

Putin also stressed the two nations’ shared vision for a more balanced global order anchored in the UN system, and echoed India’s phrase, saying both countries aim to “go together, grow together.”

President Murmu, in her remarks, noted that 2025 marks the 25th anniversary of the India–Russia Strategic Partnership. She said this year has been particularly fruitful for collaboration across sectors, and that the joint statement released at the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit lays out ambitious goals for the future.

A Visit Focused on Connectivity, Tourism and Trade

Putin departed Delhi shortly after the banquet, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar accompanying him to the airport.

Over the course of his visit, Putin and PM Modi held extensive talks on enhancing transport connectivity and expanding the economic partnership, with both sides expressing confidence about achieving major growth targets by 2030. PM Modi also announced new measures to boost tourism, including a free 30-day e-tourist visa and a 30-day group tourist visa for Russian travellers.

Putin’s farewell dinner marked a warm and ceremonious end to a visit aimed at reaffirming and rejuvenating one of India’s most enduring strategic partnerships.