Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Saturday called the Rashtrapati Bhavan state banquet for Russian President Vladimir Putin a “warm” and “engaging” evening, even as his party publicly questioned the government’s decision to leave out its top leadership from the guest list.

Tharoor, who attended Friday’s banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu, said on X that he had “enjoyed” conversations with members of the Russian delegation. “Attended the @rashtrapatibhvn banquet for President Putin last night. A warm and engaging atmosphere reigned,” he wrote.

The dinner capped Putin’s two-day India visit, which included wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a joint declaration aimed at boosting cooperation in politics, security, trade, energy and education.

Murmu Highlights 25 Years of India–Russia Strategic Partnership

Welcoming Putin, President Murmu noted that the visit coincided with the 25th anniversary of the India–Russia strategic partnership, established during the Russian leader’s first presidential visit in 2000.

She praised Putin’s “support and personal commitment” to strengthening a relationship now termed a “special and privileged strategic partnership.”

Putin, in his address, said the newly adopted declaration would provide “a strong push” to bilateral ties.

Congress Slams Government Over Non-Invitation of LoPs

The Congress sharpened its criticism on Friday, expressing displeasure that neither party chief and Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge nor Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi had been invited to the banquet.

Pawan Khera, who heads the party’s media and publicity wing, accused the Modi government of “breaching all protocols” by excluding the two LoPs.

Asked about Tharoor’s presence, Khera hinted at internal disapproval: “If our leaders don’t get invited and we get invited, we need to question our own conscience,” he said.

Tharoor Points to Changed Protocol

Tharoor, who chairs the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, had earlier noted that the panel chief was once routinely invited to such state events—a practice that “seems to have stopped some years ago,” suggesting a long-term shift rather than a one-off deviation.

Rahul Gandhi Cites Government ‘Insecurity’

On the eve of Putin’s arrival, Rahul Gandhi alleged that the Centre discourages foreign dignitaries from meeting the Leader of Opposition due to “insecurity.” His remarks added a political edge to the high-profile diplomatic engagement.

Tharoor’s appreciative tone, contrasted with the Congress leadership’s strong objections, underscored the divergent responses within the party to the high-stakes state dinner.