What did PM Modi do during his speech at the BRICS Summit regarding Xi Jinping?

During his speech, PM Modi paused to check on Xi Jinping after noticing something seemed off, asking him, 'Is it okay,' before resuming his address.

Why did Xi Jinping skip the gala dinner hosted by PM Modi during the BRICS Summit?

The reason for Xi Jinping's absence from the gala dinner is not officially known, but sources suggested he returned to his hotel to rest after attending the summit.

What key issues were discussed during the bilateral talks between Modi and Xi Jinping?

The bilateral talks focused on India-China relations, including border peace, trade, market access, and the importance of mutual respect and sensitivity.

PM Modi checks on Xi Jinping mid speech at BRICS Summit, asks, ‘Is it okay?’

Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the BRICS Summit in Delhi. It was his first visit to India in seven years.

Updated on: Sep 13, 2026, 13:10:29 IST

By HT News Desk

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi briefly paused his BRICS Summit address on Day 1 to check on Chinese President Xi Jinping after appearing to notice that something was wrong. Click here for LIVE updates on Day 2 of the Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L) stands alongside China's President Xi Jinping during the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. (AFP)

Modi, in the middle of his speech on Saturday, stopped and turned towards Xi, who was in India for the first time in seven years to attend the summit.

“Is it okay,” PM Modi asked the translator accompanying the Chinese president. He repeated the question moments later. It was not immediately clear what had caused Xi’s apparent discomfort.

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After a few seconds, Xi nodded in response, following which Modi resumed his address.

Modi-Xi bilateral meet

PM Modi and Xi Jinping held bilateral talks in New Delhi on September 12, on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. The meeting lasted more than 50 minutes.

The talks focused on India-China relations, border peace, trade, market access and people-to-people exchanges. A key message from Modi was that peace and stability along the India-China border were essential for the broader relationship, HT earlier reported.

ALSO READ | 'Here, voices are heard’: PM Modi's BRICS message, with Xi, Putin by his side

Modi spoke of the principles of “mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest” while discussing bilateral ties. Both sides agreed that differences should not turn into disputes and reiterated the need to work towards a fair and mutually acceptable resolution of the boundary question.

Xi has described India and China as partners rather than rivals and called for a long-term approach to bilateral relations and cooperation.

Xi skips Modi-hosted gala dinner

Xi did not attend the gala dinner hosted by Modi for BRICS leaders on Saturday. The Chinese president was reported to have returned to his hotel to rest.

ALSO READ | BRICS at a turning point: India’s leadership and the road ahead

BRICS Summit 2026: Day 2

The second and final day of the BRICS Summit began at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Modi received visiting leaders, who then posed for the customary family photo with PM Modi at the centre.

Opening the second day, Modi said India’s BRICS presidency focused on four pillars: resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability.

He said India had worked with other BRICS members to turn the grouping’s shared vision into practical, “win-win” cooperation.

Modi also warned that rising global tensions were increasingly affecting ordinary people. He cited pandemics, climate-related disasters and supply-chain disruptions, stressing that in an interconnected world, crises do not remain limited to one region.

ALSO READ | A distress network for seafarers at sea: What Modi proposed at BRICS, and why India needs it

BRICS to develop infectious disease early-warning system

Modi announced that BRICS countries had reached a consensus on a BRICS Integrated Early Warning System aimed at improving preparedness and response to infectious diseases.

He also said the grouping had formulated Early Warning Data Integration Guidelines for disaster management.

The initiatives are aimed at improving coordination and ensuring that member countries can respond more quickly to emerging risks.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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