Chinese President Xi Jinping did not attend the BRICS gala dinner hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday evening. Despite the absence, President Xi participated in the summit’s core proceedings and held a bilateral meeting with PM Modi, as the 18th BRICS Summit continues in New Delhi.
Chinese President Xi Jinping was absent from the high-profile gala dinner held at the Bharat Mandapam convention center in New Delhi on Saturday evening, September 12, 2026. The dinner, hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for leaders attending the 18th BRICS Summit, drew top-tier attendance from other member nations, including Russian President Vladimir Putin.
While the President’s absence from the social event drew attention, official reports suggest he retired to his hotel to rest following a full day of summit proceedings. Crucially, this absence did not disrupt the formal agenda of the diplomatic gathering. Earlier in the day, President Xi participated in key summit discussions and engaged in a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Modi, marking his first visit to India in seven years.
For investors and market observers, geopolitical developments involving major economies often carry weight regarding cross-border trade, supply chain security, and regional stability. While the dinner absence is being noted as a diplomatic event, the successful adoption of the 'New Delhi Declaration' by BRICS leaders and the continuation of bilateral talks suggest that the summit's primary economic and strategic agenda remains on track.
The 18th BRICS Summit, which brings together 11 member nations and 10 partner countries, continues its scheduled sessions through Sunday, September 13. The focus remains on themes of innovation, cooperation, and economic resilience. Market participants will monitor the final outcome of the summit, including any joint statements on global trade or currency cooperation, as these have long-term implications for the international business environment. The immediate attention remains on the conclusion of the summit's official program.