Stories
Ranveer Brar Reveals Why BRICS Summit Served Only Vegetarian Food: Avoiding Controversy
- •Celebrity chef Ranveer Brar explained the all-vegetarian menu at the 18th BRICS Summit, stating it was to "stay away from global controversy" given diverse dietary practices among member nations.
- •Brar clarified that serving vegetarian food internationally helps avoid issues related to beef or pork consumption preferences in different countries.
- •The 18th BRICS Summit, held in New Delhi on September 12-13, focused on "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability" and included leaders from 11 BRICS members and 10 partner countries.
- •Brar emphasized that the vegetarian menu was also a way to highlight India's rich vegetarian cuisine and present a united front, not a permanent shift away from non-vegetarian options.
- •The summit adopted the New Delhi Declaration, a 140-point document addressing global governance, peace, security, trade, finance, technology, health, and climate.
Key Questions Answered
Chef and actor Ranveer Brar explained that serving a completely vegetarian menu helped avoid global food controversies, noting that different nations consume beef or pork. The choice also highlighted India's culinary traditions, millets, and sustainable food culture to international delegates.
The 18th BRICS Summit took place in New Delhi on September 12 and September 13. It featured leaders from all 11 member countries—including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—alongside representatives from 10 partner countries and international figures like UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
The all-vegetarian gala dinner sparked a political debate as opposition figures like Rahul Gandhi criticized the exclusion of non-vegetarian options, arguing that it failed to represent India's diverse food culture. Meanwhile, the ruling BJP defended the menu as a celebration of regional Indian cuisine and culinary heritage.
