Xi Jinping Skips PM Modi’s BRICS Gala Dinner After Bilateral Talks

Chinese President Xi Jinping did not attend the gala dinner hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for BRICS leaders and delegates in New Delhi on Saturday, September 12, after the two leaders held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the summit.

According to reports, Xi is believed to have returned to his hotel to rest, although no official reason was given for his absence. His decision to skip the dinner drew attention because it came on the same day as his first visit to India in seven years and a closely watched meeting with Modi.

The Modi-Xi talks focused on managing differences and preventing disputes while continuing efforts to stabilise India-China ties. Xi’s visit and the bilateral engagement are being closely watched against the backdrop of tensions along the Line of Actual Control and the two countries’ recent attempts to improve relations.

The BRICS gala dinner at Bharat Mandapam was attended by several other leaders and senior Indian officials. The report on Xi’s absence has added another point of discussion around the latest India-China engagement.