Mumbai (Commonwealth Union)_ Indian celebrity chef Vikas Khanna took to social media to congratulate Donald Trump on his 2024 US presidential election victory, recalling a promise the reelected president made during his 2020 visit to India. His post, featuring a photograph of their meeting at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, sparked widespread interest, with many hoping that Trump’s earlier commitment to host an Indian culinary experience at the White House would soon come to fruition.
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The photo, taken at a state dinner hosted by then President Ram Nath Kovind in India, captures Khanna in conversation with Trump, with renowned composer A.R. Rahman also in attendance. Khanna’s Instagram post highlighted his conversation with Trump during the visit, where the American leader had expressed his eagerness to showcase Indian flavors at the White House. In his caption, Khanna, addressing Trump as “Mr. President,” emphasized his excitement for the potential opportunity to bring Indian cuisine to the US presidential residence.
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Khanna’s post quickly garnered attention, amassing over 60,000 likes, but also sparked a range of reactions from his followers. Some expressed their enthusiasm for the possibility of celebrating Indian cuisine at such a prestigious location, viewing it as an opportunity to showcase the richness of Indian culture on a global scale. Many saw the White House’s feature of Indian food as a proud moment for the Indian community and its culinary traditions.
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However, others voiced their disapproval of Khanna’s apparent endorsement of Trump, leading to a divided conversation. Some questioned Khanna’s motivations, interpreting the post as a sign of support for Trump. This sparked a broader debate among his followers, with some expressing concerns about the political implications of such a public association. Despite the mixed responses, many still expressed hope that Khanna would eventually have the chance to prepare an Indian feast at the White House, in line with Trump’s earlier commitment.
Khanna’s post also drew attention to the cultural exchange that took place during Trump’s India visit. Many commenters highlighted the potential for future cultural celebrations, like the White House’s recognition of Diwali, a tradition previously followed by US presidents. The idea of Khanna’s food gracing the White House was a source of excitement for those who saw it as a symbol of cross-cultural appreciation and a platform for Indian culture to thrive internationally. Furthermore, Vikas Khanna’s social media message serves as both a reflection of the political divides surrounding Trump’s presidency and a hopeful vision of cultural exchange, where Indian cuisine might one day find a place at the heart of American politics.
