By The Straits Times | Created at 2026-09-15 01:16:43 | Updated at 2026-10-06 04:12:11
3 weeks ago
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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends a session in the BRICS Plus/Outreach format of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on Sept 13.
PHOTO: EPA
Yan Zhuang and Alex Travelli
Published Sep 15, 2026, 09:15 AM
Updated Sep 15, 2026, 09:15 AM
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi served a strictly vegetarian meal at the BRICS summit, sparking criticism from political opponents who argued it misrepresented India's diverse cuisine.
- Modi's government defended the menu as reflecting India's regional traditions, highlighting food's role in cultural diplomacy and political identity.
- Diplomatic meals carry symbolic importance but can cause controversy if not managed carefully, as they aim to foster respect and good international relations.
NEW DELHI – The world leaders who dined together at the BRICS summit in India over the weekend were served plate after plate of delicacies: Cubes of paneer simmered in gravy, Himalayan morel mushrooms with saffron, lentil broth with tomatoes and curry leaves.
Meat was conspicuously absent.
