This may happen mostly in states like Gujarat and Maharashtra, particularly in Gujarat where meat eating is relatively way lower than any other Indian state. Most restaurants don't even have a non-veg menu.
I belong to a South Indian state and never have I ever eaten veg when I went out with my friends and there is no such thing as Gau Rakshaks in most states of India. I started eating veg on a higher scale only after coming to the US as food is relatively way expensive and I mostly prefer cooking some simple recipes all by myself even though raw chicken is cheaper than veggies in the US
never been to India so I can only talk about state like United States or Canada, i have never met an Indian who would refuse meat dish when he is the only Indian in the company but same person would suddenly turn Vegetarian if another Indian shows up.
I personally prefer Veggie over meat dishes anytime but not the desi veggie dishes, but cooked in ways where each vegetable holds its distinctive taste and not taste like the spices it was burnt in.