Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi posted a video on X showing himself eating gulab jamun and drinking filter coffee in New Delhi [1].
The gesture serves as a form of soft diplomacy, using cultural exchange to strengthen ties between Japan and India during a high-level diplomatic visit [1].
Motegi shared the experience while in India for the official QUAD Foreign Ministers’ meeting [1]. The video depicts the minister enjoying a plate of hot gulab jamun, a popular Indian dessert, alongside a cup of South Indian-style filter coffee [1, 2].
During the recording, Motegi commented on the taste of the dessert. "It’s very sweet, like a donut," Motegi said [3].
This social media outreach is intended to connect the Japanese minister with the Indian public by highlighting an appreciation for local culinary traditions [1]. The interaction occurred as part of a broader schedule of diplomatic engagements in the capital city [2, 3].
By documenting his experience with traditional Indian flavors, Motegi emphasized the personal and cultural dimensions of the strategic partnership between the two nations [1, 4]. The use of X allowed the minister to provide a less formal glimpse into his visit, contrasting with the structured environment of the QUAD meetings [1].
“It’s very sweet, like a donut.”
The use of 'culinary diplomacy' by high-ranking officials is a strategic tool to build goodwill and rapport. By publicly engaging with local customs and food, Motegi signals a respect for Indian culture that complements the formal security and political objectives of the QUAD alliance.
