Source: NDTV
Introduction
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed were among the prominent international figures who opted out of a high-profile gala hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the opening evening of the BRICS Summit. Sources familiar with the diplomatic proceedings confirmed the absences on Sunday, as leaders gathered in the Indian capital for the multilateral forum.
The high-stakes summit, drawing representatives from numerous nations and international organizations, was marked by intense diplomatic activity and high-level bilateral discussions. While several dignitaries participated in the evening banquet at Bharat Mandapam, the notable absence of Beijing's top leader drew significant attention from observers tracking international relations.
What Happened
According to individuals with direct knowledge of the itinerary, President Xi skipped the official dinner because of severe fatigue and exhaustion resulting from jet lag. Having arrived in Delhi on Saturday afternoon following an extended flight, the Chinese leader chose to rest rather than attend the evening festivities.
Despite missing the evening gathering, the Chinese president maintained an active diplomatic agenda throughout the day. His schedule included participation in the main BRICS Summit proceedings alongside a crucial bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Modi to address bilateral ties.
Background
The two-day multilateral conference brings together leaders from 11 member nations and 10 partner countries, alongside delegates from various global institutions. The gathering follows previous diplomatic engagements, building upon steady progress achieved in India-China bilateral relations since the leaders last met in Tianjin in August 2025.
During their recent discussions in Delhi, Prime Minister Modi and President Xi evaluated the trajectory of their bilateral relationship. Both officials emphasized the importance of adhering to three foundational principles highlighted by the Indian leader: mutual respect, mutual sensitivity, and mutual interest.
Timeline
| Date | Event / Activity |
|---|---|
| Saturday Afternoon | Chinese President Xi Jinping lands in Delhi and attends BRICS Summit engagements, including a bilateral meeting with PM Modi. |
| Saturday Evening | Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosts a formal dinner at Bharat Mandapam; President Xi and Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed skip the event. |
| Sunday | Concluding day of the two-day BRICS Summit featuring multiple bilateral meetings. |
Key Details
While President Xi was absent from the evening banquet, Russian President Vladimir Putin and other prominent BRICS counterparts joined the festivities. A large contingent of Indian officials, including union ministers and state chief ministers, arrived at the central Delhi venue in two dedicated buses originating from Parliament House.
High-ranking members of the Indian administration present at the banquet included Union Ministers Amit Shah, Nirmala Sitharaman, Piyush Goyal, Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Shivraj Singh Chouhan. They were joined by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and prominent state leaders, including Chief Ministers Yogi Adityanath, Devendra Fadnavis, Suvendu Adhikari, and Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Impact
The diplomatic interactions yielded notable consensus regarding regional stability and bilateral cooperation. A formal statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) underscored that both New Delhi and Beijing must adopt a strategic and long-term outlook toward their diplomatic channels.
Furthermore, both governments stressed that existing differences must not be allowed to escalate into full-scale disputes. This messaging highlights a concerted effort by both Asian economic powers to maintain regional stability amidst broader geopolitical realignments within the multilateral bloc.
What Happens Next
The two-day BRICS Summit is scheduled to conclude today, wrapping up a busy weekend of multilateral diplomacy and international cooperation. Prime Minister Modi has lined up extensive bilateral discussions with leaders from seven participating nations to solidify diplomatic and economic partnerships.
