Is Donald Trump ready for a taste of India? Celebrity chef Vikas Khanna reminds incoming president of his earlier promise

As Donald Trump clinched a remarkable win in the US presidential elections, global figures and celebrities extended their congratulations to the 47th President. Among them was celebrated Indian chef Vikas Khanna, who took to Instagram to share a memorable photograph of himself with Trump, capturing a moment of their interaction during Trump’s 2020 visit to India.

In his post, Khanna recalled a conversation he had with Trump during that visit, hinting at an invitation he hoped would come to fruition. Addressing Trump as "Mr. President," Khanna referenced a promise Trump made about hosting an Indian culinary experience at the White House. Khanna’s caption conveyed his anticipation for the opportunity to bring Indian flavors to the iconic residence in Washington, should Trump fulfill his commitment.

The photo, snapped at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, shows Khanna in conversation with Trump at a state dinner hosted by then-President Ram Nath Kovind. Also present in the image was Grammy-winning composer A.R. Rahman, with the gathering attended by notable figure.

What netizens said

The post quickly sparked interest and drew a mixed response from Khanna’s Instagram followers, amassing over 60,000 likes in quick time. However, reactions were split. Some users expressed excitement about the possibility of Indian cuisine being celebrated at the White House, seeing it as a moment of pride for Indian culture on a global stage. Others, however, voiced their disapproval, interpreting Khanna's message as a show of support for Trump. This led to a broader debate among followers about Khanna’s intentions and the true tone of his message.

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A post shared by Vikas Khanna (@vikaskhannagroup)

Another commenter hoped that Trump, if he maintains White House traditions, would celebrate Diwali as previous presidents have done, and expressed excitement for Khanna's food potentially gracing the presidential residence. Many others crossed their fingers, wishing that Khanna would have the chance to showcase Indian cuisine in such a prestigious setting.

Ultimately, Khanna’s post tapped into the broader excitement and division sparked by Trump’s victory, becoming both a reflection of political divides and a moment of cultural hope among his followers.