Carbs are just more complex sugars than what we usually refer to as dietary sugar. I think the real problem is refined carbs and refined sugars, at least in my own anecdotal experience.

I don't seem to experience the same effect from eating processed carbs like pasta vs rice or potatoes.

I have reactive hypoglycaemia, and potatoes are literally one of the worst things I can eat. I didn't realise why until I looked it up - they have a glycemic index comparable to that of table sugar!

For pasta, the glycemic index varies depending on how you cook it; al dente is better than overcooked.

Agreed, processed bad. Guess that's why the comment on lentil and rice seemed odd to me, it's pretty great.

Rice is way better than processed carbs, no question. I was referring to the parent's point about these meals in India -- the sheer amount of rice in the typical serving size there is okay if one was really physically active (say a farm laborer), but it's completely inappropriate for desk workers these days.

Note: white rice is actually pretty processed as well. You'd be better off sticking to brown rice (less processed, more fiber, lower glycemic index).