India’s rich cultural diversity has found a place at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, with international media delegates receiving a specially curated welcome kit featuring traditional food products, handicrafts and locally sourced items from different parts of the country.
The media kit, prepared for journalists attending the summit, includes sattu and makhana from Bihar, coffee sourced from the tribal hills of Koraput in Odisha, and handicrafts from Gujarat. Along with these local products, the kit contains a metal water bottle, coffee mug, diary, pen, souvenir and a block-printed scarf.
The initiative is aimed at presenting a wider picture of India to international visitors and highlighting the country’s traditional food, local produce and artisanal skills alongside the high-level diplomatic discussions taking place at the summit.
An official associated with the Ministry of External Affairs said the initiative was designed to showcase the “India Story” to journalists from India and abroad. The ministry partnered with the governments of Bihar, Odisha and Gujarat to include products representing the distinctive traditions of the three states.
Bihar contributed sattu, a traditional drink and food product, along with makhana, which is widely associated with the state. Odisha’s Koraput contributed locally produced coffee, while Gujarat showcased its handicraft traditions through products included in the kit.
The effort has also received appreciation from international journalists covering the summit. A German media delegate said he was surprised by the arrangements and praised the organisation of the event. Having previously attended BRICS summits in Brazil and South Africa, he described the Indian media kit as particularly impressive.
The inclusion of Bihar’s traditional products also drew a positive response from Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary. He said the presence of sattu and makhana in the BRICS welcome kit had placed Bihar’s culinary heritage, traditions and entrepreneurial potential on an international platform.
The initiative reflects the broader effort to promote local Indian products and connect them with global audiences. By combining traditional foods, handicrafts and everyday utility items, the media kit seeks to offer foreign delegates a glimpse into India’s diverse regional identities.
The BRICS Summit is being held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on September 12 and 13. Leaders and representatives from BRICS member and partner countries are attending the gathering, where discussions are focused on global cooperation, economic development, sustainability, innovation and other major international challenges.
Beyond diplomatic meetings, the media kit has emerged as a small but visible example of how India is using the summit to showcase its cultural and economic diversity to the world.
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