New Delhi: A controversy over food choices has erupted in India after the government served an all-vegetarian menu at a gala dinner during the BRICS Summit, drawing sharp criticism from opposition leaders and former diplomats who say the decision ignored the dietary preferences of visiting dignitaries and misrepresented India’s diverse culinary culture.
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi entered the debate by posting a picture of chole bhature on his social media accounts. He wrote: “For the record: 80% of Indians are non-vegetarian. Indian non-vegetarian food is delicious. As are my sister’s chole bhature.”
Congress Media and Publicity Department head Pawan Khera went further, accusing the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party of imposing its dietary preferences, first on Indians, and now on world leaders. “India is a rich, diverse, multi-cuisine country, home to some of the finest non-vegetarian delicacies that people across the world relish and enjoy. So why did the Modi government choose to hide this part of India’s culture? Is it ashamed of the diversity that makes India what it is?” he said.
Former diplomat KC Singh raised the question of diplomatic reciprocity. He pointed out that Indian tradition does not involve inflicting politically or religiously motivated food choices on guests, especially those arriving from abroad. He asked what Prime Minister Modi’s reaction would be if he were served beef at an official dinner by US President Donald Trump, whose favourite food includes hamburgers.
The row reflects a wider and ongoing tension in India over food politics. The vegetarian versus non-vegetarian debate has gained fresh momentum after a priest separately recommended banning non-vegetarian food during Durga Puja festivities.
Critics argue that India’s culinary identity is rooted in diversity, and that projecting a single dietary preference at an international summit attended by delegations from across the globe sends a misleading and exclusionary message about the country.
