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International
Chinese President Xi Jinping Absent from Modi's BRICS Gala Dinner in New Delhi
✍️ indianexpress.com
🗓 13 Sep 2026, 09:02 PM
👁 5
Chinese President Xi Jinping did not attend the BRICS gala dinner hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, prompting questions about the diplomatic implications.
New Delhi, September 13 — During the ongoing BRICS summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping was notably absent from the gala dinner organized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The dinner, held at a government venue in the capital, brought together leaders of the five-member bloc for a formal evening of discussions and cultural exchange.
Official sources confirmed that Xi's delegation was present in New Delhi, but the president himself did not join the dinner. No formal explanation was offered by either the Chinese embassy or the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, leaving analysts to speculate on scheduling or diplomatic considerations.
The event proceeded with the attendance of other BRICS heads of state, who exchanged remarks on cooperation in trade, technology and security. Observers noted that while Xi's absence was unusual, it did not appear to affect the overall agenda of the summit, which continues with scheduled bilateral meetings.
Indian officials reiterated that the summit remains a platform for constructive dialogue among member nations, and that future engagements between India and China will continue as per the agreed timetable.
Official sources confirmed that Xi's delegation was present in New Delhi, but the president himself did not join the dinner. No formal explanation was offered by either the Chinese embassy or the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, leaving analysts to speculate on scheduling or diplomatic considerations.
The event proceeded with the attendance of other BRICS heads of state, who exchanged remarks on cooperation in trade, technology and security. Observers noted that while Xi's absence was unusual, it did not appear to affect the overall agenda of the summit, which continues with scheduled bilateral meetings.
Indian officials reiterated that the summit remains a platform for constructive dialogue among member nations, and that future engagements between India and China will continue as per the agreed timetable.