Chinese President Xi Jinping skipped Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BRICS gala dinner in New Delhi after attending the summit and holding bilateral talks with Modi. His absence from the dinner attracted attention because most other visiting leaders attended the evening event. No official explanation for Xi’s absence has been publicly given. Sources cited in reports suggested that he may have returned to his hotel to rest after a busy day, but this has not been confirmed by Beijing or New Delhi. Xi’s absence came on the same day that India and China held important talks on improving bilateral relations.Why Xi Missed The DinnerXi Jinping participated in the BRICS Summit and met PM Modi separately before the dinner. The two leaders discussed their relationship, including the need to prevent differences from becoming disputes and the importance of managing the long-standing boundary issue. After the official engagements, Xi did not join the dinner hosted for BRICS leaders and delegates at Bharat Mandapam.Xi attended the BRICS Summit in New Delhi.He held a bilateral meeting with PM Modi.Xi did not attend the gala dinner hosted by Modi.The official reason for his absence remains unclear.Reports suggested he may have returned to his hotel to rest.Modi Xi Talks Draw AttentionThe PM Modi Xi Jinping meeting was one of the key bilateral engagements during the New Delhi BRICS Summit. It was their first formal bilateral meeting in India in seven years and followed efforts to improve ties after the 2020 Ladakh military standoff.Both sides stressed the importance of maintaining peace and stability along the India-China border. Modi highlighted mutual respect, sensitivity and mutual interests, while Xi described the two countries as partners rather than rivals. The leaders also discussed improving economic and trade relations and expanding institutional communication.The talks came as India and China continue to deal with several unresolved issues. The boundary question remains important, while concerns over trade imbalances, market access and other economic matters continue to influence the relationship. At the same time, both countries have taken steps to restore some exchanges, including flights, visas and the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage.Also Read: China’s BRICS AI Open-Source Community: Where Does India Fit In?Xi Absence Remains UnexplainedThe dinner was attended by several prominent leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, along with senior Indian ministers and other political figures. Xi’s absence therefore became noticeable, particularly because he had already completed the major summit and bilateral engagements earlier in the day.Reports citing sources said Xi may have gone back to his hotel to rest following the day’s programme. However, there is no public official statement confirming that this was the reason. It would therefore be premature to connect his absence directly to political disagreements or tensions with India.BRICS Summit Focuses CooperationThe wider BRICS Summit 2026 ended with the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration, covering issues such as trade, artificial intelligence, global governance, terrorism and conflicts in West Asia. India also pushed for practical cooperation instead of turning BRICS into a rigid geopolitical alliance.China used the summit to promote greater economic and technological cooperation within the expanded BRICS group. Xi proposed initiatives involving open-source AI, trade and other areas, while China is scheduled to take over the BRICS chairship in 2027.Key HighlightsXi Jinping skipped PM Modi’s BRICS gala dinner in New Delhi.No official reason has been announced for his absence.Xi and Modi held bilateral talks during the summit.Both leaders discussed the India-China boundary question.BRICS adopted the New Delhi Declaration during the summit.China will take over the BRICS chairship in 2027.Xi’s Absence Needs ContextXi Jinping’s decision not to attend the gala dinner attracted attention, but there is currently no confirmed evidence that it reflected a disagreement with India. His participation in the BRICS Summit and meeting with PM Modi show that he remained engaged in the main diplomatic programme.The more significant development was the India-China bilateral discussion, where both sides signalled a desire to manage differences while continuing cooperation. Xi’s dinner absence should therefore be viewed separately unless either government provides further clarification.Disclaimer: This article is provided only for knowledge purposes and for providing news information based on verified available reports. The reason for Xi Jinping’s absence from the dinner remains officially unconfirmed.
