India has taken the decision to serve Indian food including millet-based dishes to G20 leaders and showcase its culinary heritage in its menu to the foreign leaders from all over the world. The leaders such as US President Joe Biden and UK PM Rishi Sunak among others will be treated to lip-smacking Indian delicacies whose is designed around millets.

India sponsored the proposal for the International Year of Millets (IYM) 2023, which was accepted by the United Nations General Assembly. This highly nutritious and healthy crop has significantly gained popularity because of its positive environmental impact as well. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his desire for IYM 2023 to become a "people's movement" and for India to become a "global hub for millets".

The move to serve Indian food, including millet-based dishes to the G20 leaders not only showcases the rich culinary heritage of India but also aligns with the summit's theme of unity and a shared future, said G20 India Special Secretary Muktesh Pardeshi.

"Besides, 2023 is the year of millets, and millet-based dishes will also be served," Pardeshi was quoted by news agency PTI as saying. Speaking of desserts, Pardeshi said they would reflect the culinary diversity of India. "Keeping the season in mind, we may see ghewar also being served," he said. He also said all hotels where world leaders and delegates were staying would be served innovative millet dishes.

World leaders and delegates will get the opportunity to learn about millets and savour delicious dishes made from millets from Odisha, thanks to the efforts of tribal women Raimati Ghiuria and Subhasha Mahanta, news agency PTI reported. Both these women hailing from tribal regions will share insights on millets, sustainable agriculture and healthy eating habits at Bharat Mandapam.

Millets are considered traditional food for more than half a billion people across Asia and Africa and are currently grown in more than 130 countries, including India and were also served multiple times in various G20 events in the run up to the G20 summit.

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