Day after ‘all-vegetarian’ BRICS dinner, Rahul Gandhi’s ‘80%’ remark

Rahul Gandhi used his social media platforms to state that roughly 80 per cent of Indians are non‑vegetarian, describing Indian non‑vegetarian cuisine as "delicious" after the BRICS summit dinner in New Delhi was served entirely vegetarian. The comment came a day after the summit’s official banquet, which showcased a range of vegetarian dishes and a cultural program involving over 100 artists from India and other BRICS nations.

The banquet’s menu included paneer lababdar, gucchi marmik (Himalayan morel mushrooms with asparagus), carrot bean poriyal, thakkali belle saaru (a light lentil broth), millet pulao, beetroot raita, assorted Indian breads, and a dessert of Old Delhi fruit cream with jalebi and shahtoot phirni. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his closing remarks at the summit’s session on “Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” warned that the weaponisation of technology and critical minerals could impede shared growth among BRICS members.

The episode underscores the intersection of cultural symbolism and political discourse at high‑profile international events. While the vegetarian menu was intended to reflect inclusive hospitality, Gandhi’s response highlighted the dietary realities of the Indian populace, a point that may influence future diplomatic catering choices and domestic political narratives.