Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted a specially curated vegan gala dinner for world leaders at the BRICS Leaders' Summit on Saturday, 12 September, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The elaborate plant-based menu showcased India's culinary diversity while underscoring principles of sustainability, inclusivity, and mindful hospitality — a deliberate diplomatic signal at one of the year's most high-profile multilateral gatherings.

What the vegan menu featured

The multi-course dinner opened with refined starters, including Khandvi Mille-Feuille — delicate steamed gram-flour rolls tempered with mustard, coconut, and curry leaves, served alongside kesar mango, micro-greens, and a light yoghurt-style dressing. Guests also savoured Khumb Galouti, tender pan-grilled mushroom kebabs with mint pearls, presented on sheermal bread.

The main course brought together a vibrant spread of regional Indian flavours. Paneer Lababdar featured soft cottage-cheese-style cubes simmered in a rich shallot-tomato gravy, while Gucchi Marmik highlighted Himalayan morel mushrooms and asparagus gently cooked with saffron, raisins, and mamra almonds. A South Indian-inspired Carrot Bean Poriyal, prepared in virgin coconut oil and finished with fresh grated coconut, offered aromatic contrast.

Lighter accompaniments included Thakkali Belle Saaru, a tomato-enriched toor dal broth with curry leaves, and fragrant Millet Pulao of basmati rice and pearl millets, rounded out by chilled Beetroot Raita and an assortment of Indian breads.

Desserts that closed the evening

The meal concluded with Old Delhi Fruit Cream with Jalebi — seasonal fruits and lightly whipped cream paired with a crisp sweet fritter — and Shahtoot Phirni, a slow-cooked rice and milk pudding topped with sweet mulberries and gold leaf. The dessert selection drew heavily from Mughlai and North Indian traditions, reinterpreted in fully plant-based form.

Cultural programme alongside the dinner

Alongside the culinary offering, a special cultural performance titled 'Navarasa — The Universe of Shared Emotions' was staged for attending leaders and dignitaries. The evening featured the BRICS Symphony — 'One Rhythm, Many Cultures', a collaborative musical performance uniting musicians from BRICS member and partner countries.

Drawing on diverse traditions and instruments, the symphony blended global musical elements with India's classical dance traditions, symbolising common bonds connecting diverse civilisations. The performance, according to organisers, embodied the summit's theme of 'Building a Better World Together' through cultural exchange.

Why a vegan menu matters at a diplomatic summit

India's decision to serve an entirely plant-based menu at the BRICS gala is notable given the scale and profile of the event. It aligns with the Centre's push toward millets and sustainable agriculture, a theme India has championed since the International Year of Millets (2023). By weaving millets, regional spices, and indigenous ingredients into a state dinner setting, the menu served as soft-power diplomacy — projecting India's gastronomic heritage alongside its sustainability credentials.

This comes amid growing global interest in plant-based menus at multilateral events, with climate-conscious catering increasingly seen as a statement of intent. Notably, the inclusion of Himalayan morels, pearl millets, and virgin coconut oil spotlighted ingredients tied to India's rural and tribal economies.

The gala dinner and cultural programme are expected to set a template for future state hospitality events as India continues to leverage its G20 and BRICS presidency legacies.