Xi Jinping Skips BRICS Gala Dinner, China Says High-Level Delegation Led By Wang Yi Attended

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday did not attend the gala dinner hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for BRICS leaders in New Delhi. However, sources informed that China was represented at the dinner by a high-level delegation led by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Xi’s absence from the dinner was not considered unusual, as the Chinese President had participated in the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi and also held discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the summit.

Notably, the Chinese delegation’s presence at the gala dinner ensured representation from Beijing at the diplomatic gathering, even as Xi chose not to attend the event personally.

The dinner, hosted by PM Modi, brought together leaders and senior representatives of BRICS nations and participating countries and featured an elaborate Indian vegetarian menu showcasing regional cuisines and millets.

Xi Jinping Skipped Dinner

The Chinese President skipped the gala dinner hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday. While no exact reason for the absence of the Chinese President skiping the dinner was known, but a source suggested that Xi had gone back to his hotel to take rest.

The Chinese president arrived in New Delhi on Saturday afternoon and attended the BRICS Summit, besides having a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Modi.

Not just Chinese President Xi Jinping, but Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed also skipped the dinner as he left for home after attending the BRICS Summit during the day.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and other leaders of the BRICS attended the dinner. Several Union ministers -- Amit Shah, Nirmala Sitharaman, Piyush Goyal, Ashwini Vaishnaw and Shivraj Singh Chouhan -- participated in the dinner event. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Chief Ministers, including Yogi Adityanath (Uttar Pradesh), Devendra Fadnavis (Maharashtra), Suvendu Adhikari (West Bengal) and Himanta Biswa Sarma (Assam) also attended the Gala dinner.