The BRICS Delhi summit has triggered a political debate in India after opposition parties questioned different aspects of the high-level meeting. Congress criticised the all-vegetarian menu served to visiting BRICS leaders, while the Samajwadi Party questioned what it described as limited outcomes from the summit. SP leader Ram Gopal Yadav said the meeting could have done more to address major global conflicts. At the same time, the 11-member grouping adopted the New Delhi Declaration, calling for dialogue, restraint and diplomacy over conflicts.Why Is BRICS Facing Opposition?The opposition criticism has focused on both the summit's political outcomes and the choice of food served at the leaders' dinner. Ram Gopal Yadav argued that the BRICS summit did not produce a significant result in stopping ongoing wars. Congress, meanwhile, questioned why India's diverse non-vegetarian food traditions were not represented at the dinner. The government and BJP have rejected the criticism and highlighted India's diplomatic role in securing consensus.Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav questioned the summit's major outcomes.He said BRICS could have done more to address global wars.Congress criticised the all-vegetarian menu served to BRICS leaders.BJP accused the Congress of focusing on food instead of diplomacy.The summit ended with the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration.Opposition Raises Different ConcernsThe Samajwadi Party's criticism came after the BRICS summit concluded in New Delhi. Ram Gopal Yadav said that a stronger outcome would have involved efforts to halt the Russia-Ukraine war or encourage relevant parties to address the Iran-related conflict. He also said that wars are affecting economies around the world.Congress raised a separate issue over the dinner menu. Party leader Pawan Khera criticised the decision to serve only vegetarian food, arguing that India has a wide range of non-vegetarian dishes and that this part of Indian culture was not represented. Rahul Gandhi also referred to India's large non-vegetarian population in a social media post.Read More: 18th BRICS Summit and the New Delhi Declaration Builds Global Consensus TodaySummit Outcomes Remain CentralThe criticism comes despite the adoption of the BRICS joint declaration, which addressed major international issues. The declaration expressed concern about the worsening situation in the Middle East and called for maximum restraint, dialogue and diplomacy. It also stressed civilian protection and the need to protect trade, supply chains and energy flows.The summit also produced a notable diplomatic moment involving Iran and the UAE. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a one-on-one meeting in New Delhi. The declaration's consensus on West Asia was seen as an important diplomatic achievement for India's BRICS presidency.Key HighlightsBRICS leaders adopted the New Delhi Declaration after negotiations.The declaration called for restraint and diplomacy over Middle East tensions.Ram Gopal Yadav said BRICS did not achieve enough on global wars.Congress criticised the all-vegetarian menu at the BRICS dinner.BJP defended the menu and highlighted India's diplomatic achievements.Iran and UAE leaders held a significant meeting on the sidelines of the summit.BRICS Debate Continues In IndiaThe BRICS Delhi summit has therefore created two different political debates at home. The Samajwadi Party is questioning whether the grouping could have taken stronger action on global conflicts, while Congress has focused on the representation of India's food culture at the official dinner. The government and BJP have pointed to the joint declaration and India's role in building consensus as key achievements. The debate is likely to continue as the outcomes of the summit are assessed.Disclaimer: This article is provided for knowledge purposes and to provide news information based on verified reports and available official and reliable sources.
