Source India Today
New Delhi, December 6 — Congress MP Shashi Tharoor described the state dinner hosted for Russian President Vladimir Putin at Rashtrapati Bhavan as an “engaging and cordial” evening, noting that the event highlighted India’s commitment to diplomatic balance and constructive dialogue.
Tharoor, who was among the select political leaders invited to the banquet, said the atmosphere remained “warm, substantive, and reflective of India’s long-standing ties with Russia.” The dinner was hosted by President Droupadi Murmu during Putin’s two-day visit aimed at boosting strategic cooperation in defence, energy, and trade.
While speaking to reporters after the event, Tharoor remarked that conversations during the dinner touched on global geopolitics, India-Russia cooperation, and the evolving multipolar world order. “It was an engaging atmosphere throughout. These interactions reaffirm India’s role as a bridge-builder in complex international dynamics,” he said.
Putin’s presence in India has drawn significant international attention, especially amid ongoing global tensions. Nevertheless, Indian officials reiterated that New Delhi maintains an independent foreign policy guided by national interest.
The banquet also saw the presence of senior ministers, diplomats, and cultural performers, representing India’s rich heritage and its continued emphasis on people-to-people connections in diplomacy.
Putin’s visit is expected to culminate in a series of announcements focused on defence partnerships, energy collaboration, and economic initiatives, further strengthening the decades-old relationship between India and Russia.
