President Joe Biden and fellow world leaders convening at the G20 summit will have the opportunity to savor delectable Indian street cuisine, which includes the rich flavors of Chandni Chowk and inventive millet-based dishes.
A comprehensive selection of millet dishes has been arranged for the global leaders and delegates gathering at the G20 summit on September 9-10 at Bharat Mandapam. These dishes will spotlight the climate-resilient and exceptionally nutritious coarse grains cultivated throughout the nation.
As part of their commitment to establish a G20 Garden within the Bharat Mandapam complex, world leaders attending the summit will participate in planting saplings of their national plants or native plant species from their countries during the meeting.
In an interview to PTI, G20 India Special Secretary Muktesh Pardeshi said arrangements are also afoot to make the India visit memorable for the spouses of the world leaders through live demonstrative sessions on the rich handicrafts legacy of the country coupled with a shopping experience at the National Gallery of Modern Art.
“Yes, in some innovative manner, there would be an introduction to street food, and local and regional cuisines of India. The chefs are working overtime to finalise the menu, keeping all aspects in mind. But certainly, there will be some exposure,” Pardeshi said in response to a question.
“Delhi is very well known for its street food, particularly the Chandni Chowk area. So, when you visit our international media centre, I am sure you will also get a taste of the street food of India,” he said.
He mentioned that all the hotels accommodating world leaders and delegates are in a friendly competition to present creative millet-based dishes.
Pardeshi said special attention is being given to the gifts for the visiting leaders and delegates with preference given to handicrafts, textile and painting traditions of the country.
“For world leaders, the prime minister is conscious of the fact that the gift should connect and convey a sense of warmth. We have submitted a list of items — whether they are paintings or handicraft items or carpets — they will be chosen with all care and respect to the visiting dignitary,” he said.
“Our approach is that the gifts should convey a message about our handicraft traditions and culture. When leaders carry an item, they should carry the memory of India,” he added.
On security arrangements for the summit, Pardeshi said the Delhi Police has been coordinating with the advance teams of different countries and their security requirements and concerns have been taken onboard.
“We work with delegations, the Delhi Police and other agencies in sharing perspectives and coming up with adequate security arrangements for each and every delegation. So, they are all tailormade according to the threat perception of the world leaders and whatever expectations they have from our side,” the special secretary said.
Pardeshi said more than 10,000 delegates are expected to visit Delhi for the summit.
“We have identified hotels in central Delhi, Aerocity, Gurugram and some neighbouring areas as VVIP hotels to accommodate world leaders, accompanying delegations and media representatives,” he said.
During the final session of the summit, a few minutes will be devoted to the symbolic handing over of the G20 Presidency to Brazil, he said.
“Our prime minister is not likely to meet the Brazilian president before November 30, so the ceremonial handover is usually done at the summit,” Pardeshi said.