PARTHA ROY, KOLKATA: On the eve of Russia Day (Den Rosii), Russian Consul General Mr. Maxim Kozlov and his wife Dr. Natalia Gerasimova hosted a glittering reception at Taj Bengal in Kolkata on 11th June 2026. The event brought together Government of West Bengal officials, top diplomats including Thai Consul General Ms. Siriporn Tantipanyathep, the Chinese Consul General, members of the diplomatic corps, chamber of commerce leaders, industrialists, and cultural personalities, along with Russian organisation staff in the city.

In his address, Consul General Kozlov highlighted the deep historical ties between India and Russia, noting the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027 and ongoing cooperation in multilateral forums. He recalled that formal ties with the Soviet Union were established on April 13, 1947, evolving into today’s “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.”

Separately, The Asiatic Society, Kolkata, of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, organised a seminar on India-Russia relations and future prospects to mark the occasion.