Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took a swipe at the BRICS Summit gala dinner menu hosted in New Delhi, pointing out that the spread offered to visiting world leaders featured only vegetarian dishes.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Gandhi remarked: “For the record: 80% of Indians are non-vegetarian. Indian non-vegetarian food is delicious. As are my sister’s chole bhature.”
For the record: 80% of Indians are non-vegetarian.
Indian non-vegetarian food is delicious. As are my sister’s chole bhature. pic.twitter.com/8f6ziKjLan
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 13, 2026
The gala dinner, hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Bharat Mandapam, showcased regional vegetarian specialities such as Paneer Lababdar, Khumb Galouti, Gucchi Marmik, Carrot Bean Poriyal, millet pulao, beetroot raita, and desserts including Old Delhi Fruit Cream with Jalebi and Shahtoot Phirni.
While the menu sparked debate, the summit itself concluded with leaders adopting the New Delhi Declaration, focusing on global governance reforms, trade and investment, food and energy security, healthcare, disaster resilience, and strengthening cooperation among BRICS nations, particularly for the Global South.
The controversy highlighted the intersection of culinary diplomacy and political messaging, with Gandhi’s remarks drawing attention to India’s diverse food culture and the importance of representation.
