Narendra Modi-led Indian government has come under strong criticism over its decision to serve an entirely vegetarian menu to heads of state and other dignitaries attending the recently held BRICS summit in New Delhi. Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and other leaders participated in the 18th BRICS Summit, which concluded on September 14 in the Indian capital.

BRICS, initially formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, has since expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates. Established in 2009, the bloc was created to promote a multipolar global order and provide an alternative to the international system long dominated by the United States and its Western allies.

The summit menu featured more than 10 vegetarian dishes, sparking a political controversy at home. Reacting to a vegetarian-only menu, Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi said on X, "For the record: 80% of Indians are non-vegetarian. Indian non-vegetarian food is delicious." Separately, Congress leader Waris Pathan criticised the menu, saying it failed to reflect India's diverse food culture.

Another Congress leader, Pawan Khera, also criticised the decision, accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of imposing its dietary preferences on Indians. India's Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju defended the menu, taking a jibe at Congress for politicising the food served and stating that visiting dignitaries enjoyed the meals.