International visit to India’s cleanest city highlights the growing role of food tourism, destination branding and hospitality diplomacy

Key Highlights

• BRICS delegates visited Indore ahead of the 16th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting.
• Delegates explored the city’s renowned 56 Dukan food hub and experienced local culinary traditions.
• The ministerial meeting will take place in Indore on June 12-13, 2026.
• Discussions will focus on food security, sustainable agriculture, innovation and resilient food systems.
• The event showcases how international government summits can strengthen hospitality, tourism and local economies.

Indore Showcases India’s Hospitality to BRICS Delegates

As India prepares to host the 16th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting, the city of Indore has already taken centre stage by welcoming delegates from BRICS member and partner countries with a blend of culture, cuisine and urban excellence.

Representatives from countries including Brazil, South Africa and Ethiopia visited the city ahead of the ministerial meeting, experiencing Indore’s hospitality ecosystem and vibrant food culture. Hosted by the Indore Smart City Project and the Indore Municipal Corporation, the visit served as an opportunity to showcase India’s ability to combine governance with destination promotion.

One of the major attractions was the city’s iconic 56 Dukan food street, where delegates sampled local delicacies and interacted with India’s diverse culinary traditions, reinforcing food as a powerful tool of cultural diplomacy.

Agriculture Meeting to Focus on Sustainable Food Systems

The 16th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting, scheduled for June 12-13, will bring together member and partner countries to discuss cooperation in agriculture, food security and sustainable development.

Prior to the ministerial sessions, deputy representatives will deliberate on issues including:

• Climate-resilient agriculture
• Sustainable and regenerative farming
• Strengthening agricultural value chains
• Soil health and resource management
• Innovation and technology adoption
• Market opportunities and knowledge exchange

Special emphasis will also be placed on empowering smallholder farmers, women and youth while advancing global food security goals.

India’s BRICS Chairship has additionally facilitated technical discussions on reducing food loss and waste, fisheries, aquaculture and advanced livestock technologies, encouraging collaboration through shared best practices.

Why This Matters for Hospitality and Tourism

Large-scale international government events increasingly serve as catalysts for the hospitality and tourism industry. Beyond diplomatic engagements, such meetings generate demand for hotels, restaurants, transport services and destination experiences.

For Indore, the exposure offers several long-term advantages:

• Destination Branding: International delegates experiencing the city’s food culture and cleanliness strengthen its global image.
• Food Tourism Promotion: Visits to iconic culinary hubs like 56 Dukan position local cuisine as a tourism asset.
• Hotel and Events Business: High-level conferences create immediate demand for accommodation, banqueting, logistics and event management services.
• MICE Tourism Growth: Successful hosting of international meetings enhances a city’s credibility as a destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE).
• Local Economic Impact: Restaurants, transport operators, guides and local businesses benefit from increased visitor spending and international visibility.

Industry Perspective

For India’s hospitality sector, such diplomatic events demonstrate that tourism promotion extends beyond leisure travel. Government summits provide opportunities to showcase regional cuisine, service standards and urban infrastructure to influential international audiences, creating long-term potential for tourism investment and repeat visitation.

As India continues its BRICS Chairship through 2026, events like the Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting reinforce the growing connection between diplomacy, gastronomy, hospitality and destination marketing.