By Sitaram Mewati
The Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Mumbai celebrated Russia Day with a grand reception at the Regal Room of the Trident Hotel, Nariman Point, on June 9, 2026. The event brought together diplomats, government officials, business leaders, members of the Russian Navy, and prominent personalities from various sectors, reflecting the enduring friendship between India and Russia.
The event commenced with the national anthems of India and Russia, setting a dignified tone for the evening’s celebrations. His Excellency Ivan Fetisov, Consul General of Russia in Mumbai, welcomed the guests and delivered the inaugural address, highlighting the strong and enduring partnership between the two nations. He noted that India and Russia continue to enjoy a special relationship built on mutual trust, respect and cooperation across a wide range of sectors.
The Guest of Honour, Rahul Narvekar, Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, and Chief Guest Jaykumar Jitendrasinh Rawal, Maharashtra’s Minister for Protocol, subsequently addressed the gathering. In their speeches, the dignitaries underscored the historic and time-tested friendship between India and Russia, emphasizing growing cooperation in strategic, economic, cultural and people-to-people exchanges. They observed that the longstanding partnership between the two countries has remained resilient through changing global circumstances and continues to serve as a model of bilateral friendship.
The evening was marked by a warm and cordial atmosphere, with a pianist providing live musical performances that kept guests engaged throughout the reception. The presence of officers and personnel from the Russian Navy added further significance to the celebration.
Among the distinguished guests were His Excellency Aliaksandr Matsukou, Consul General of the Republic of Belarus, His Excellency Mustafa Kemalettin Eruygur, Consul General of Türkiye in Mumbai; His Excellency Edy Wardoyo, Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Mumbai; Her Excellency Kishani Priyanga Wickramasinghe, Consul General of Sri Lanka in Mumbai; and Arvind Bucktowar, Consul General of Mauritius in Mumbai and Vishal Mehta Honorary Consul of the Republic of Djibouti. Their presence reflected the strong diplomatic engagement among the foreign missions based in Mumbai and added to the significance of the Russia Day celebrations.
Observed annually on June 12, Russia Day commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of the Russian Federation in 1990. The Mumbai celebration served as a reminder of the deep-rooted friendship between India and Russia, while reaffirming the shared commitment of both countries to further strengthen their longstanding partnership across diplomatic, economic, cultural and people-to-people spheres.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
