Xi Jinping Skips Dinner Hosted by Modi Due to Fatigue

Chinese President Xi Jinping skipped a gala dinner hosted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the conclusion of the first day of the BRICS summit in New Delhi.

Sources directly familiar with the matter told NDTV that the Chinese leader was fatigued due to a long flight and a packed itinerary.

Arriving in Delhi on Saturday afternoon, President Xi immediately engaged in the BRICS summit proceedings and held a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Modi. While Russian President Vladimir Putin and several other BRICS leaders attended the dinner, Xi decided to skip it to rest. Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammad also missed the banquet alongside the Chinese president.