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Xi Jinping's absence from BRICS dinner raises diplomatic questions

Chinese President Xi Jinping did not attend a special dinner hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the BRICS summit, despite the presence of other major world leaders. The absence has prompted questions about the reasons behind the diplomatic move.

LSN India · 13 September 2026

Xi Jinping's absence from BRICS dinner raises diplomatic questions

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted an exclusive dinner for visiting dignitaries during the BRICS summit, bringing together several prominent global leaders. However, the notable absence of Chinese President Xi Jinping at the event drew considerable attention from observers of regional diplomacy.

While most other major leaders attending the summit accepted invitations to the dinner, Xi Jinping did not participate in the gathering. The reasons for the Chinese leader's non-attendance have become a subject of speculation within diplomatic circles.

The BRICS summit, which brings together Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, is one of the most significant multilateral platforms for emerging economies. Such high-profile dinners typically serve as important venues for bilateral discussions and relationship-building among world leaders.

Xi's decision to forgo the dinner comes amid broader geopolitical considerations in the region, though official statements regarding his specific reasons have not been publicly detailed. The absence underscores the complex diplomatic dynamics at play within the BRICS framework.