Archive · 6 Oct 2026
Murmu’s Banquet Celebrates Himalayan Cuisine and India-Switzerland Cooperation
President Droupadi Murmu hosted Swiss President Guy Parmelin at a dinner in New Delhi.
The meal featured foods and drinks from Kashmir and Ladakh.
The menu also described ingredients from the Himalayan region and compared its mountains with the Swiss Alps.
Murmu and Parmelin discussed ways India and Switzerland could work more closely.
They talked about trade, investment, research, and technology.
They also discussed agreements involving travel and movement between the countries.
Parmelin met Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well.
Modi said they discussed energy, infrastructure, and opportunities for students and professionals.
President Droupadi Murmu hosted Swiss President Guy Parmelin at a banquet at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday evening.
The menu featured Kashmiri dishes including Kanna Guchh Pulao, khatte baingan, Sheermal, phirni and shufta, alongside Kashmiri Kahwa and Ladakhi Gur Chai.
A menu note compared the Himalayan ranges with the Swiss Alps and highlighted regional ingredients including sea buckthorn, apricot, wild nettle, yak cheese, barley, saffron, morels and lotus stem.
Murmu cited opportunities for stronger trade and investment following the India-EFTA agreement and noted agreements on migration and mobility, research, and technology transfer.
Parmelin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed areas including defence production, nuclear energy, infrastructure, clean energy, science and technology, and opportunities for students and professionals.
- Who
- President Droupadi Murmu hosted Swiss President Guy Parmelin; Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan attended. Parmelin also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- What
- Murmu hosted a banquet featuring regional cuisine, and Indian and Swiss leaders discussed cooperation between their countries.
- When
- Monday evening; Parmelin's India visit was from October 5 to October 7. The year is not specified.
- Where
- Rashtrapati Bhavan, India; Parmelin also held talks with Modi at Hyderabad House.
- Why
- The banquet honoured Parmelin during his visit, which included talks aimed at strengthening India-Switzerland relations.
- Host
- President Droupadi Murmu
- Guest of honour
- Swiss Confederation President Guy Parmelin
- Banquet venue
- Rashtrapati Bhavan
- Visit dates
- October 5 to October 7; year not stated
- Featured dishes
- Kanna Guchh Pulao, khatte baingan, Sheermal, phirni and shufta
- Featured beverages
- Kashmiri Kahwa and Gur Chai from Ladakh
- Highlighted ingredients
- Sea buckthorn, apricot, wild nettle, yak cheese, barley, saffron, morels and lotus stem
- Discussion topics
- Trade, investment, defence production, nuclear and clean energy, infrastructure, research, technology, migration and mobility, and opportunities for students and professionals
