Why Xi Jinping Skipped PM Modi’s BRICS Gala Dinner in Delhi

Chinese President Xi Jinping leads the Chinese delegation during official engagements in New Delhi. Xi participated in the BRICS Summit and held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday before skipping the gala dinner later in the evening–Photo Credit: Reuters

Chinese President attended the summit and held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but stayed away from Saturday night’s dinner; sources cite fatigue after a long journey and a packed diplomatic schedule

Key Highlights

• Xi Jinping skipped PM Modi’s BRICS gala dinner on Saturday night.
• Sources cited fatigue following his journey, the time difference and a demanding diplomatic schedule.
• No official indication has emerged suggesting that the absence represented a diplomatic protest.
• Xi had participated in the BRICS Summit and held bilateral talks with Modi earlier in the day.
• Russian President Vladimir Putin and several other BRICS leaders attended the dinner.
• The New Delhi BRICS Summit concludes on Sunday, September 13.

New Delhi : Chinese President Xi Jinping’s absence from the gala dinner hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the first day of the BRICS Summit attracted attention on Saturday, September 12, 2026 night, but sources familiar with the matter attributed it to fatigue rather than any diplomatic disagreement.

Xi arrived in New Delhi on Saturday afternoon to attend the 18th BRICS Summit and went on to participate in summit engagements and hold bilateral talks with Modi. His visit is particularly significant as it marks his first trip to India since 2019.

According to people familiar with the matter, Xi did not attend the dinner because he was tired following the journey and the day’s demanding schedule, with the time difference also cited as a factor. Another report said Xi was believed to have returned to his hotel to rest, while noting that no official reason had been announced.

The distinction is important: Xi’s absence from the dinner should not, on the available evidence, be interpreted as a diplomatic snub.

A Packed First Day for Xi

Xi’s programme began soon after his arrival in the capital. He participated in the BRICS proceedings and later met Modi for talks in which the two leaders reviewed bilateral relations and discussed ways to improve cooperation between India and China. Beijing’s official account described their exchange as “sincere and in-depth” and said the two leaders agreed that India and China should view each other as partners.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping participate in the joint tree-planting ceremony during the BRICS Summit in New Delhi on Saturday, September 12, 2026. Photo: PTI.

The gala dinner hosted by Modi at Bharat Mandapam was scheduled for 7.30 pm after a tightly packed programme that included the closed BRICS session, Bharat Innovates exhibition, family photograph and joint tree-planting ceremony.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and several other leaders attended the dinner. Union ministers and senior political leaders were also among the guests. Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was another prominent leader absent from the dinner; reports said he had departed after completing his summit engagements.

The dinner showcased Indian cuisine, with dishes including millet pulao, paneer lababdar and shahtoot phirni among those served to leaders and delegates.

Diplomacy Beyond the Dinner Table

Xi’s absence inevitably generated speculation because his visit comes amid a cautious improvement in India-China relations after years of tension following the 2020 border confrontation.

That makes the substantive engagement between Modi and Xi earlier in the day more consequential than attendance at a ceremonial dinner. The two sides have gradually resumed institutional exchanges, while trade, travel and other channels of engagement have begun recovering despite unresolved differences.

With the two-day BRICS Summit concluding in New Delhi on Sunday, leaders from member states, partner countries and international organisations are participating in discussions focused on cooperation, resilience, innovation and inclusive global growth.