Rahul Gandhi Criticizes All-Vegetarian BRICS Gala Dinner Menu

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has taken aim at the menu served at the BRICS gala dinner in New Delhi, questioning why the spread laid out for visiting world leaders did not include any non-vegetarian dishes. The dinner was hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for heads of state and dignitaries attending the summit at Bharat Mandapam.

Gandhi Points to Majority Preference

Taking to X, Gandhi argued that Indian non-vegetarian cuisine deserved a place on the table given the country’s eating habits. He noted that a large majority of Indians consume meat, and praised non-vegetarian dishes as being just as much a part of India’s culinary identity as the vegetarian fare that was showcased. He also added a personal touch, referencing his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s chole bhature in his remarks.

What Was Actually Served

The gala dinner’s menu leaned heavily on regional vegetarian specialties from across India, with dishes such as Paneer Lababdar, Khumb Galouti, and Gucchi Marmik featured alongside desserts like Old Delhi-style Fruit Cream with Jalebi. The spread was designed to highlight India’s diverse regional flavours, particularly those associated with Old Delhi’s culinary traditions, but drew Gandhi’s criticism for leaving out meat-based options entirely.

Beyond the menu debate, the summit itself produced substantive outcomes. Leaders in attendance adopted the New Delhi Declaration, which lays out priorities around global governance reform, trade cooperation, food security, and healthcare access, along with fresh initiatives aimed at strengthening BRICS coordination on behalf of the Global South.

The exchange over the dinner menu has added a lighter, more personal note to coverage of an otherwise policy-heavy summit, with social media users weighing in on both sides of the vegetarian-versus-non-vegetarian debate.