Sir Paul McCartney appeals for meat-free day in India
The former Beatle asked Manmohan Singh if he would make 12 January, the anniversary of the founding of the Indian branch of animal welfare charity Peta, a meat-free day.
He said: "Would you please think about declaring one day every year - perhaps 12 January, the anniversary of Peta India's founding - a day to celebrate vegetarianism and compassion towards animals? Such a declaration would save countless animals, reduce the environmental devastation caused by the meat industry and help participants clear their arteries and their consciences. It would be a celebration of life - all life."
Almost half of India's population are estimated to be vegetarian, mainly for religious or financial reasons.
McCartney's late wife Linda also promoted the cause of a meat-free diet.