Archive · 13 Sep 2026
Xi Jinping Misses Modi’s BRICS Gala Dinner in Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted a special dinner for leaders attending the BRICS Summit.
Chinese President Xi Jinping did not come to the dinner.
No official reason was given for his absence.
Some people familiar with the situation said he may have gone back to his hotel to rest.
Xi had attended the summit earlier that day.
He also met Modi to discuss improving relations between India and China.
The dinner served only vegetarian Indian food.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and several Indian ministers and chief ministers were present.
Chinese President Xi Jinping did not attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s gala dinner for BRICS leaders and guests.
Sources did not give a confirmed reason, although people familiar with the matter said Xi may have returned to his hotel to rest.
Xi attended the BRICS Summit and held bilateral talks with Modi before reportedly flying back to China.
The vegetarian dinner included dishes such as paneer lababdar, millet pulao, jalebi with Old Delhi fruit cream and shahtoot phirni.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Union ministers and several chief ministers attended the dinner at Bharat Mandapam.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted the dinner for BRICS leaders, partner-country representatives and international organisations; Xi Jinping was absent.
- What
- A gala dinner was held without Xi, who had attended the BRICS Summit and met Modi earlier that day.
- When
- The dinner took place on Saturday during India’s September 12–13 BRICS Summit.
- Where
- Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, India.
- Why
- Xi’s confirmed reason for skipping the dinner was not stated; sources suggested he returned to his hotel to rest.
- Host
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- Absent leader
- Chinese President Xi Jinping
- Venue
- Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
- Dinner menu
- An elaborate all-vegetarian menu featuring Indian dishes and desserts
- Performance
- An ensemble of more than 100 artists performed during the dinner
- Notable attendee
- Russian President Vladimir Putin
- Bilateral talks
- Modi and Xi discussed expanding trade and investment and taking a strategic, long-term approach to bilateral ties