India Showcases Regional Flavors and Millets for BRICS Leaders

New Delhi – As the 18th BRICS Summit convened, India turned its hospitality spotlight on the continent’s culinary mosaic. Rajneesh Maller, General Manager of ITC Hotels, and executive chef Manisha Bhasin detailed how their teams curated a menu that highlighted the country’s regional specialties and the growing prominence of millets.
The spread was designed to give visiting dignitaries a taste of India’s diverse food heritage—from the spice‑laden curries of the South to the subtle, grain‑rich preparations of the North‑East. Millets, celebrated for their nutritional value and sustainability, featured prominently, underscoring India’s push to promote indigenous crops on the global stage.
For the South‑Asian diaspora, the event serves as a reminder of the depth and variety of home‑grown cuisine that extends beyond the familiar restaurant staples seen abroad. By spotlighting lesser‑known regional dishes and local grains, the summit’s culinary programme not only offered a diplomatic gesture but also reinforced a cultural narrative that many expatriates cherish and strive to keep alive.
The effort reflects a broader strategy to position Indian food as both a heritage asset and a modern, health‑forward option for the world’s tables.
