A political controversy has erupted over the BRICS gala dinner menu after Rahul Gandhi questioned the decision to serve an entirely vegetarian spread, arguing that it does not reflect the dietary diversity of India where a majority consume non-vegetarian food. The Bharatiya Janata Party responded by criticising the opposition for focusing on the menu rather than India’s diplomatic achievements at BRICS. The dinner hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi showcased traditional Indian dishes and millets, including Khandvi, Paneer Lababdar, Millet Pulao, Mushroom Galouti, and Jalebi. The debate has drawn attention to previous diplomatic banquets, such as the 2023 G20 Summit dinner hosted by President Droupadi Murmu and international events where plant-based spreads were served. Furthermore, the discussion touches upon nutritional profiles of vegetarian and non-vegetarian diets, alongside national consumption statistics and the economic role of livestock and fisheries.