Xi Jinping Health Rumours Grow After Modi’s ‘Is It Okay?’ Moment, China President Skips BRICS Dinner

Modi’s brief exchange with Xi draws attention

Questions about Xi Jinping’s health emerged after a brief interaction between the Chinese president and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the opening session of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12.

While delivering his remarks at Bharat Mandapam, Modi appeared to turn towards the Chinese delegation and ask, “Is it okay?” The exchange was captured in footage of the summit and quickly circulated online.

Xi subsequently nodded, after which Modi continued with his speech. Reports have suggested that the exchange could have involved an issue with the microphone, translation or communication, but there has been no official explanation linking it to a medical problem.

Xi skips Modi-hosted gala dinner

Speculation increased later in the day when Xi did not attend the gala dinner hosted by Modi for BRICS leaders and other dignitaries.

According to reports citing sources familiar with the matter, Xi returned to his hotel to rest after attending the summit and holding a bilateral meeting with Modi. Neither the Indian government nor the Chinese government publicly said that the absence was caused by illness.

Xi had arrived in New Delhi on Saturday afternoon and maintained a busy schedule that included the summit and talks with Modi. Russian President Vladimir Putin and other BRICS leaders attended the dinner.

Unverified medical claims circulate online

The dinner absence and the earlier interaction subsequently prompted a wave of social-media claims about Xi's health.

Chinese political activist Wanjun Xie claimed on social media that Xi had fainted and suffered a stroke during the summit before being taken back to China for medical treatment. Xie also made further claims about intensive care and possible complications.

However, these claims have not been independently established. Reports covering the allegations have noted the absence of official confirmation, and one report said Xie's post carried a community note highlighting the need for verification.

Other commentators have also made claims about possible neurological problems, but no official medical diagnosis has been released publicly.

Key Takeaways

• Modi briefly paused his BRICS remarks and asked whether Xi was okay.
• Xi skipped the gala dinner after attending the summit and meeting Modi.
• Sources cited by Indian media said Xi returned to his hotel to rest.
• Claims of a stroke, surgery or hospitalisation remain unverified.
• Neither Beijing nor New Delhi has officially attributed Xi's dinner absence to a health condition.

Why This Matters

Xi's health is closely watched because of his central role in China's political system, but individual appearances or schedule changes cannot establish a medical diagnosis. The available reporting confirms his participation in the BRICS summit and bilateral meeting with Modi, while the more serious claims circulating online remain unsupported by an official medical statement or independently verified evidence.

The summit itself was significant for India-China relations, as Xi's visit was his first to India in seven years. Modi and Xi discussed improving bilateral ties, including trade, connectivity and border-related issues, amid efforts to stabilise relations following the 2020 military clash.