Mehman Nawazi on Thali: President Murmu Hosts Lavish Vegetarian Banquet for Russian Leader Putin

The culmination of Russian President Vladimir Putin's two-day state visit was a grand state banquet at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where diplomacy was flavoured with rich cultural and culinary heritage. President Droupadi Murmu hosted the dinner on Friday, serving a lavish, entirely vegetarian meal that highlighted the diversity of Indian regional cuisine, complemented by a special musical programme blending Indian and Russian melodies.

What Was on the Presidential Menu?

A traditional thali was presented at the banquet, offering a guided taste of India’s varied food traditions. The menu aimed to showcase skill and regional depth.

The multi-course spread included:

Starters: Guests were first served Murungelai Chaaru, a mild moringa soup, then appetisers such as Gucchi Doon Chetin, Kaale Chane ke Shikampuri, and Vegetable Jhol Momos.

Main Course: Guests were served dishes like Zafrani Paneer Roll, Palak Methi Mattar Saag, Achaari Baingan, Tandoori Bharwan Aloo, and Yellow Dal Tadka, alongside Dry Fruit Saffron Pulao and assorted Indian breads.

Desserts & More: The menu included classic desserts like Badam ka Halwa and Kesar-Pista Kulfi, fresh fruits, salads, traditional treats like Murukku and Gur Sandesh, and regional condiments including Gongura Pickle and Mango Chutney.

Beverages: A selection of fresh-pressed juices including Pomegranate, Orange, and Carrot-Ginger.

What Was the Cultural Programme?

Adding a symbolic touch, the Rashtrapati Bhavan Naval Band, along with classical Indian instrumentalists, performed an Indo-Russian set called "Messinal Love," blending the cultural heritage of both nations as a diplomatic gesture.

The musical repertoire seamlessly blended:

• Indian classical raagas like Amritavarshini, Khamaj, Yaman, and Bhairavi.
• Beloved Russian compositions, including the folk classic Kalinka and an excerpt from Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker Suite.
• A popular Hindi film song, Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani.

Also Read: Guard of Honour, Rashtrapati Bhavan Dinner Mark Final Leg of Putin’s India Trip | Watch

Who Attended the Banquet?

Senior Indian leaders—including PM Narendra Modi, FM Nirmala Sitharaman, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, and MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh—attended the high-level event. Russian officials were also present, allowing the dinner to serve as a venue for informal diplomacy alongside the official summit talks.

Earlier, PM Modi gifted President Putin Assam’s GI-tagged black tea and a finely crafted Murshidabad silver tea set, calling them symbols of “warmth, connection and shared stories.”

Your Questions Answered: State Banquet FAQs

Q: Why was the banquet menu entirely vegetarian?

A: Not explicitly stated, but reports suggest, the menu aligned with President Murmu’s dietary choices and demonstrated the elegance and range of Indian vegetarian cuisine.

Q: What was significant about the dish "Vegetable Jhol Momos"?

A: Momos, often from Himalayan regions, were described as “pelmeni-inspired,” giving a subtle nod to Russian cuisine and representing cultural connection.

Q: What was the purpose of the Indo-Russian musical programme?

A: It served as a soft-power gesture, reflecting the deep cultural ties and mutual respect between the two nations, creating a unique and memorable atmosphere for the state dinner.

Q: What marked the end of President Putin's visit?

A: Following the banquet, President Putin departed from Delhi late Friday. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar saw him off at the airport, formally concluding the two-day visit.

Q: Were any non-vegetarian dishes served to the Russian delegation?

A: Based on the detailed menu released, the official state banquet was a vegetarian spread. Customised arrangements for specific dietary requirements, if any, were not detailed in the public information.

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