An all-vegetarian dinner served to BRICS leaders in New Delhi has sparked a political dispute in India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted the gala dinner during the BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam.
The menu featured more than 10 vegetarian dishes from different Indian regions.
Rahul Gandhi Questions Vegetarian-Only Menu
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the decision through a social media post.
He said that 80% of Indians are non-vegetarian. He also praised Indian non-vegetarian cuisine.
Gandhi’s remarks came a day after the BRICS dinner featured only vegetarian dishes.
Congress leader Pawan Khera also criticised the menu.
Khera argued that India’s food culture includes a wide range of regional cuisines and non-vegetarian dishes.
He questioned why meat and seafood were not included in the dinner offered to international guests.
Government Defends BRICS Dinner Menu
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju defended the decision.
He said the visiting leaders enjoyed Indian vegetarian cuisine.
Rijiju described the menu as rich in flavour and nutritional variety. He also said it represented India’s regional culinary traditions.
He accused the Congress of politicising the food served at the summit.
What Was Served at the Dinner?
The menu included a variety of traditional and modern vegetarian dishes.
Starters included Khandvi Mille-Feuille and Khumb Galouti, featuring mushroom-based preparation.
The main course included Paneer Lababdar, Gucchi Marmik, Carrot Bean Poriyal, Thakkali Belle Saaru and millet pulao.
Beetroot raita and assorted Indian breads were also served.
Desserts included Old Delhi Fruit Cream with Jalebi and Shahtoot Phirni.
The dinner also featured a performance by an ensemble of more than 100 artists from India and other BRICS countries.
Food Becomes Part of Political Debate
The dispute has focused on whether the dinner represented India’s culinary diversity.
Opposition leaders said the absence of meat and seafood failed to reflect the country’s varied food traditions.
Government representatives defended the menu as a deliberate showcase of Indian vegetarian cuisine and regional traditions.
The controversy has therefore shifted attention from the BRICS summit’s diplomatic agenda to the food served at its gala dinner.
The BRICS summit itself focused on issues including economic cooperation, technology, resilience and the role of emerging economies.
