India, Dec. 5 -- The cold evening is unfolding smoothly in an "exclusive" gathering at the Italian ambassador's residence in central Delhi's Chandragupta Marg. Imported wine is being circulated among the privileged set. The highlight is a dinner buffet curated by a Michelin starred chef visiting from Sardinia. Indeed, the society people are greedily queuing up at the risotto counter.

Meanwhile, a tree stands outside in the residence's large garden, looking a tad smudgy in Delhi's winter-time smog. The tree is short, its disproportionately vaster foliage hanging upon the stumpy trunk like a halo. See photo.

It is an olive tree.

The all-knowing Wikipedia says that the natural home of olives is the Mediterranean region. But Delhi is 4,000...