What Shashi Tharoor said after attending Putin dinner at Rashtrapati Bhavan as Rahul Gandhi, Kharge left out

“A warm and engaging atmosphere reigned. Enjoyed my conversations with many of the attendees, especially my dining companions from the Russian delegation!” Tharoor posted.

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

Tharoor’s presence at the dinner came amid questions from the Congress on why Leader of Opposition in both Houses of Parliament Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge were not invited to the event.

The dinner took place after President Droupadi Murmu met with Putin at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Murmu conveyed India’s appreciation for his support for the India–Russia strategic partnership.

Murmu, while welcoming President Putin and his delegation at the banquet, had said his visit marked an important milestone, the 25th anniversary of the India-Russia strategic partnership, which was established in October 2000 during his first visit to the country as president.

The Congress on Friday said the leaders of the Opposition, Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, were not invited to the banquet, and took a swipe at Tharoor for accepting the invite.

Congress’s media and publicity department head Pawan Khera accused the government of breaking protocols daily and not believing in democratic principles.

“There is no invite to both the LoPs, Mr (Mallikarjun) Kharge and Mr (Rahul) Gandhi. This comes as a surprise, but I don’t think we should be surprised. This government is known to be breaching all protocols. What else to say, ask the government,” Khera said Friday.

Asked about Tharoor accepting the invite for the banquet, Khera said, “Ask Mr Tharoor. All of us who are in the party, if our leaders don’t get invited and we get invited, we need to question our own conscience and listen to our conscience. Politics has been played in inviting or not inviting people, which in itself is questionable, and those who accept such an invite are also questionable.” “We would have listened to our voice of conscience,” he added.

Earlier, Tharoor had said that there was a time when the chairman of the external affairs committee was routinely invited, but that practice seems to have stopped some years ago.

On Thursday, Gandhi alleged that the government tells visiting foreign dignitaries not to meet the leader of opposition due to its “insecurity”.

His remarks had come hours ahead of Putin’s two-day visit to India.

Earlier in the day, Modi and Putin held the 23rd India–Russia summit in New Delhi. The two sides signed agreements on migration and mobility, port and shipping, and health and food safety. Modi said both sides agreed on an economic cooperation programme until 2030 and continued work on an FTA with the Eurasian Economic Union.

On the menu

The President’s dinner for Putin followed an all-vegetarian menu that highlighted Indian regional dishes. The service began with Murungelai Chaaru (drumstick leaves soup). The kitchen then served Kaale Chane ke Shikampuri and Vegetable Jhol Momo with chutney.

Other items on the menu included Gucchi Doon Chetin, Zafrani Paneer Roll, Palak Methi Mattar ka Saag, Tandoori Bharwan Aloo, Achaari Baingan, and Yellow Dal Tadka. The pulao on the table included dry fruits and saffron. The breads included Lachha Paratha, Magaz Naan, Satanaj Roti, Missi Roti and Biscuity Roti.