'Warm, engaging atmosphere...': Tharoor on state dinner with Putin
What's the story
Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor described the recent state banquet for Russian President Vladimir Putin at Rashtrapati Bhavan as a "warm" and "engaging" evening. The event was hosted by President Droupadi Murmu on Friday, marking the end of Putin's two-day visit to India. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Tharoor said he "enjoyed" his conversations with members of the Russian delegation during the banquet.
Twitter Post
Tharoor's post on state dinner for Putin
Attended the @rashtrapatibhvn banquet for President Putin last night. A warm and engaging atmosphere reigned. Enjoyed my conversations with many of the attendees, especially my dining companions from the Russian delegation! @RusEmbIndia pic.twitter.com/frP2TYZKXr
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) December 6, 2025
Diplomatic significance
Putin's visit marks milestone in India-Russia partnership
Putin's visit to India was marked by extensive talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a joint declaration on expanding cooperation across politics, security, trade, energy, and education. The visit also celebrated the 25th anniversary of the India-Russia strategic partnership, which was formalized in October 2000 during Putin's first presidential visit to India. President Murmu welcomed Putin and his delegation, praising their commitment to strengthening this special partnership.
Invitation controversy
Congress leaders express displeasure over banquet invitations
Despite Tharoor's positive remarks, the Congress party expressed displeasure over the non-invitation of its leaders, Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. Pawan Khera, head of the party's media and publicity department, accused the Modi government of "breaching all protocols" by excluding both Leaders of the Opposition. Khera said it was surprising that they were not invited, but added that it wasn't unexpected given this government's history with protocol breaches.
Changing protocols
Tharoor recalls past practice of inviting committee heads
Tharoor, who chairs the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, recalled a time when committee heads were routinely invited to such events. He said this practice seems to have stopped in recent years, indicating a shift in protocol rather than a one-off exception. This comes amid Rahul Gandhi's allegations that the government discourages foreign dignitaries from meeting opposition leaders due to insecurity.