BRICS Summit: Controversy Over Serving World Leaders Only Vegetable Dishes - UrduPoint
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BRICS Summit: Controversy Over Serving World Leaders Only Vegetable Dishes
Sajid Ali | Published: September 16, 2026 | 12:21 PM
Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, and other world leaders were served dishes featuring more than 10 vegetables at the dinner, prompting opposition criticism of the Narendra Modi government.
Political Controversy Arises in India
After world leaders, including Vladimir Putin, were served an entirely vegetarian meal at a dinner held during the BRICS Summit, India faced opposition criticism from its political parties.
According to a report by The Telegraph, Russian President Putin, Iranian President Pezeshkian, and others were treated to more than 10 vegetarian dishes in New Delhi. This sparked debate as India's diverse culinary culture includes meat-based options.
Rahul Gandhi, a Congress leader, stated that nearly 80% of India’s population consumes meat, highlighting the deliciousness of Indian non-vegetarian cuisine. He argued that serving only vegetarian dishes didn't represent the nation's entire gastronomic heritage.
Indian Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju countered by accusing the Congress of politicizing the menu, questioning their motives for criticizing such a cultural aspect.
The Telegraph reported that dishes like paneer lababdar, Kashmiri gucchi mushrooms, and beetroot raita were among those served during the BRICS dinner. Interestingly, this wasn't the first time India had hosted an entirely vegetarian menu; similar arrangements were made during the 2023 G20 Summit.