SRINAGAR: India showcased Kashmiri walnut and morel specialities at a grand state dinner for Russian President Vladimir Putin at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday, where President Droupadi Murmu hosted a meticulously curated Indian thali highlighting regional flavours, seasonal produce, and traditional cooking techniques.
The banquet opened with a trio of signature appetisers, led by Gucchi, Doon Chetni— stuffed Kashmiri morels served with walnut chutney — underscoring India’s focus on rare Himalayan ingredients. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, and Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh were among the dignitaries present, with visuals capturing leaders in conversation amid a strong emphasis on cultural diplomacy.
🇮🇳🇷🇺 RIA Kremlin Pool Shares Menu from State Reception in Honour of President Putin
Which item on the vegetarian menu tickles your fancy? pic.twitter.com/RCjABpaP1q
— RT_India (@RT_India_news) December 5, 2025
The vegetarian menu progressed from Murungelai Chaaru, a delicately spiced moringa and moong bean broth, to shikampuri kebabs, jhol momos, and an extensive main course including Zafrani Paneer Roll, Palak Methi Mattar ka Saag, Tandoori Bharwan Aloo, Achaari Baingan, and Yellow Dal Tadka, accompanied by saffron pulao and a variety of traditional Indian breads. Desserts featured Badam ka Halwa, Kesar-Pista Kulfi, fresh fruits, along with traditional snacks and a selection of fruit-based coolers.
The evening’s cultural highlight was an Indo-Russian musical programme titled Messinal Love, blending Indian classical raagas with Russian melodies through a collaboration between the Rashtrapati Bhavan Naval Band and classical instrumentalists. The performance ranged from Raag Amritavarshini and Raag Khamaj to the Russian folk classic Kalinka, concluding with Raag Bhairavi and Raag Desh.
President Putin departed Delhi later in the day, seen off by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, marking the conclusion of a two-day visit that strengthened India–Russia diplomatic and cultural ties. Earlier, Prime Minister Modi presented Putin with Assam black tea and a handcrafted Murshidabad silver tea set, described as symbols of warmth, connection, and shared tradition.
Kashmiri morel mushrooms, known as gucchi, are rare and highly valued wild-harvested delicacies from the forests of Jammu and Kashmir. Prized for their rich, earthy flavour and spongy, honeycomb texture, they are often sun-dried for year-round use. Hand-collected due to their inability to be cultivated commercially, gucchi commands premium prices.
Walnuts from Kashmir are globally renowned for their superior quality, taste, and high nutritional value. Grown organically in the high-altitude Himalayan valleys, these walnuts are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and omega-3s, making them a heart-healthy ingredient and a prized addition to Indian cuisine.
