Spice Routes and Global Power Plays: What Brics Summit Menu Reveals About Soft Power

The Brics Summit is a gathering of leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This year’s gala dinner in New Delhi has taken cultural diplomacy to new heights with its carefully curated menu showcasing regional flavors and traditional preparations.

On paper, the vegetarian spread seems like a harmless exercise in cultural exchange, featuring complex spice blends and regional specialties. However, scratch beneath the surface, and you’ll find a more nuanced story about the role of food in international relations. India’s Brics chairship this year is guided by the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” But what does it mean to build resilience through cuisine?

The menu itself is a masterclass in Indian regionalism. Khandvi Mille-Feuille, a steamed gram-flour roll tempered with mustard, coconut, and curry leaves, is a specialty from the Gujarati region. Khumb Galouti, tender pan-grilled mushroom kebabs, has its roots in Bengali tradition. The choice of dishes is deliberate – it’s an attempt to showcase India’s rich culinary diversity and highlight the country’s role as a major player in the global food scene.

The inclusion of Shahtoot Phirni, a slow-cooked pudding made with milk, rice, and sweet mulberries, nods to India’s Mughal heritage but also reflects the country’s growing cultural exchange with its neighbors. This blend of traditional flavors and regional specialties suggests that India is trying to build bridges between different cultures rather than imposing one on others.

The performance accompanying the dinner, “Brics Symphony,” features over 160 artistes, including Indian dancers and musicians alongside performers from other Brics member countries. It’s a celebration of cross-cultural collaboration, but what does this say about India’s approach to cultural diplomacy? Is it an attempt to create a shared cultural identity among Brics nations or simply a showcase for Indian talent?

The events intersect with the broader themes of the summit, which include India’s 10-point roadmap for global governance reform. This speaks to the country’s ambitions as a major player in international relations and highlights what better way to build relationships than through shared culinary experiences? The Brics Summit menu is more than just a reflection of Indian cuisine – it’s a statement about the country’s soft power.

As India assumes its fourth Brics chairship, it’s clear that the country has ambitions beyond mere economic influence. It wants to be seen as a cultural force, one that can bring people together through shared experiences and traditions. The menu is just the beginning – what comes next will tell us more about India’s place in the world.

The dinner may have concluded with classical music and fireworks, but its impact will be felt for much longer. It’s a reminder that cultural diplomacy can be a powerful tool in international relations, one that can build bridges between nations and create shared identities. As India looks to build resilience through innovation, cooperation, and sustainability, it’s clear that the country has found an unlikely ally – the humble spice route.