BRICS summit in New Delhi sees Modi briefly pause his speech after noticing Xi Jinping appearing uncomfortable, while India calls for unity amid global tensions.
Qalam Times News Network
New Delhi, September 13, 2026
BRICS took an unexpected turn at the opening session of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi when Prime Minister Narendra Modi briefly interrupted his speech after noticing Chinese President Xi Jinping appearing uncomfortable in the audience.
Modi, who was addressing the gathering of BRICS leaders, suddenly turned his attention towards Xi Jinping and asked the Chinese president’s interpreter, “Is he all right?” Xi responded with a gentle nod, indicating that he was fine. Modi then resumed his address without further interruption.
The brief exchange immediately attracted attention because BRICS leaders were gathered for the first formal session of the two-day summit, hosted by India. The exact reason for Xi’s apparent discomfort was not immediately clear, and there was no separate explanation from the Chinese delegation regarding the incident.
Xi Jinping Arrives in Delhi After Seven Years
Xi Jinping arrived in New Delhi shortly before noon on Saturday, marking his first visit to India in seven years. After joining the BRICS Summit, the Chinese president held a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Modi later in the afternoon.
The meeting between the two leaders was closely watched because of the importance of India-China relations and the wider geopolitical environment surrounding the summit. Their bilateral discussions took place on the same day that the BRICS gathering formally began in the Indian capital.
Later that evening, however, Xi did not attend the state dinner hosted by Prime Minister Modi for visiting leaders at Bharat Mandapam. Instead, the Chinese president returned to his hotel.
According to sources cited in the report, Xi was reportedly tired after a long journey and a packed schedule of engagements. He therefore chose to rest at the hotel rather than attend the dinner. The absence was not described as a diplomatic development.
Xi was not the only senior foreign dignitary absent from the dinner. Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince, representing the United Arab Emirates, also did not attend. He reportedly departed for his home country after the conclusion of the first day’s summit proceedings.
Modi Calls for BRICS Unity Amid Rising Global Tensions
The second day of the summit began on Sunday with another address by Prime Minister Modi. He used the occasion to warn about growing geopolitical tensions across the world and called on BRICS members to strengthen unity and cooperation in dealing with emerging challenges.
Modi said conflicts, confrontations and tensions were increasing globally and were having a direct negative impact on ordinary people. He stressed that challenges such as pandemics and climate-related disasters do not remain confined to one particular country or region and therefore require collective international responses.
The Indian prime minister also raised concerns over the growing weaponisation of technology and critical minerals, arguing that such developments could obstruct collective progress and create additional vulnerabilities for developing economies.
Speaking in the presence of Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and other leaders, Modi said India had placed particular emphasis during its BRICS presidency on four principles: tolerance, innovation, cooperation and sustainability.
He expressed satisfaction with the cooperation received from member countries and said India had worked to advance the group’s shared objectives towards outcomes that could benefit all participating nations.
Addressing the broader international situation, Modi said the increasing number of conflicts and geopolitical tensions was producing harmful consequences for people around the world. He argued that BRICS should strengthen resilience and mutual cooperation while identifying potential challenges early and preparing coordinated responses.
Modi also called for greater cooperation among developing countries to confront economic and other crises. He said the international community’s expectations from BRICS had grown considerably and that the grouping had gained increasing global attention and confidence.
The Indian prime minister urged member states to continue working together and move towards their common development goals through cooperation, mutual benefit and collective action.
The brief moment involving Modi and Xi at the opening session, meanwhile, became one of the notable moments of the summit, although the precise reason for Xi’s apparent discomfort remained unclear.
