Owaisi Reacts to BRICS Dinner Row, Says India’s Diversity Is Its Diplomatic Strength

Hyderabad MP and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has responded to the political debate over the vegetarian-only gala dinner hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for BRICS leaders at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Owaisi said India’s sovereignty and culture are closely linked to its diverse traditions, religions, languages and food habits. Pointing out that more than 20 per cent of minorities in the country also consume vegetarian food, he said India’s diversity extends beyond culture to dietary preferences as well. While it is difficult to say what foreign delegates liked or disliked about the menu, he stressed that Indian diplomacy should represent the country’s diverse cultural traditions on the global stage.

Owaisi also raised questions about the diplomatic and economic outcomes of the BRICS summit. He questioned the lack of clarity over the use of digital currency and flagged concerns over transparency regarding the restoration of patrolling rights following India-China border discussions. At the same time, he welcomed the face-to-face meeting between representatives of Iran and the UAE on the sidelines of the BRICS summit, describing it as a positive development from a regional diplomatic perspective.