BRICS Summit 2026: India's culinary diplomacy showcases soft power and cultural heritage

Hindustan Times - India · 12 Sept 2026 · 2 min read
Prelims · International relations Mains · GS2 International relations Medium relevance

India's 'India Friendship Menu' at the BRICS Summit highlights culinary diplomacy, blending regional flavors with international familiarity to promote cultural exchange and soft power among the 11-member bloc.

Key points

India Friendship Menu is a curated culinary experience designed for BRICS delegates, featuring regional Indian dishes like Nalli Nihari and pepper fry with almonds, aimed at showcasing India's gastronomic diversity.

The menu incorporates lotus and orchids as thematic elements in pralines and mithais, symbolizing India's cultural aesthetics and attention to detail in hospitality.

Chef Kaushik Misra led a 3-6 month research effort to understand delegate preferences, ensuring the menu balances familiarity with authentic Indian flavors.

A culinary map of India is presented to delegates, educating them about the country's geographical and gastronomic diversity through regional savories.

Delegates receive a recipe book with chef-curated recipes from their mothers, serving as a cultural keepsake and fostering personal connections.

This initiative connects to GS2-International Relations by demonstrating how cultural diplomacy can strengthen multilateral ties and soft power.

[GS1-Indian Heritage and Culture] The menu highlights India's regional culinary traditions, aligning with the syllabus's focus on preserving and promoting cultural heritage.

The Summit's theme Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability is subtly reinforced through sustainable and locally sourced ingredients.

Way Forward: India should institutionalize culinary diplomacy in major international summits, develop a standardized protocol for cultural menus, and create digital platforms to share these culinary experiences globally.

Key terms

Soft Power

A concept coined by Joseph Nye referring to the ability of a country to influence others through attraction and persuasion rather than coercion. Cultural exports like cuisine, art, and entertainment are key components, as demonstrated by India's BRICS culinary initiative.

BRICS

An intergovernmental organization comprising 11 major emerging economies (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Indonesia) focused on enhancing economic cooperation and political dialogue. It represents 49.5% of the global population and 40% of global GDP, making it a significant counterbalance to Western-dominated institutions.

Culinary Diplomacy

The use of food and cuisine as a tool to foster cross-cultural understanding and strengthen international relations. It falls under soft power strategies and is increasingly recognized in global diplomacy for its ability to create informal dialogue spaces.

India Friendship Menu

A strategically curated dining experience for international delegates that blends regional Indian flavors with globally familiar dishes. It serves as a cultural bridge and is part of India's broader soft power outreach during multilateral engagements.