Xi Jinping Skips Modi's BRICS Gala Dinner
Chinese President Xi Jinping's absence from PM Modi's BRICS gala dinner in Delhi has drawn attention, with reasons for his no-show remaining unclear.
The Cliff News | 13 September 2026
President Xi Jinping of China was notably absent from a gala dinner hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for leaders attending the BRICS Summit in Delhi on Saturday. The unexplained absence of the Chinese president from the event, held after the summit concluded and following bilateral talks, stood out amongst other world leaders and senior Indian dignitaries who were present.
The event, part of India's hosting of the BRICS Summit on September 12 and 13, saw participation from leaders of the 11 member countries and 10 partner countries, along with representatives from international organisations. The dinner took place at Bharat Mandapam.
Notable Absences
Alongside President Xi, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, was also absent from the dinner. He had departed for home after attending the summit earlier in the day.
The reason for President Xi's absence was not immediately disclosed. However, one source privy to the matter suggested that the Chinese president had returned to his hotel to rest. President Xi had arrived in Delhi on Saturday afternoon, participated in the BRICS Summit proceedings, and also held a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Modi. This visit marks his first trip to India in seven years.
High-Profile Attendance
The gala dinner was attended by a significant gathering of international and Indian figures. Russian President Vladimir Putin and other BRICS leaders were present. From the Indian side, several Union ministers, including Amit Shah, Nirmala Sitharaman, Piyush Goyal, Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Shivraj Singh Chouhan, were in attendance.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also graced the occasion. Prominent Indian political leaders present included Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The Union ministers and chief ministers arrived at the venue from Parliament House in two buses.
Culinary Delights
The menu for the gala dinner featured a selection of Indian delicacies. Guests were offered dishes such as khandvi mille-feuille, khumb galouti, paneer lababdar, gucchi marmik, and carrot-bean poriyal, alongside millet pulao. For dessert, the offerings included Old Delhi fruit cream with jalebi and shahtoot phirni.
India is currently chairing the BRICS Summit, an important bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, with recent expansions to include new members. The summit's conclusion on September 13 will mark the end of India's presidency for this term.