HighLights
  1. PM Modi paused speech, appeared to check on Xi Jinping.
  2. Speculation arose about Xi Jinping's health at BRICS.
  3. Incident clarified as Xi's earpiece technical problem.

New Delhi: Chinese President Xi Jinping's health has once again drawn online speculation after a video from the BRICS summit appeared to show Prime Minister Narendra Modi pausing his opening speech to check on the Chinese leader. In the footage, PM Modi stops mid-sentence, turns towards Xi amid a brief commotion, and asks the translator, "Is it okay?" Several aides approach Xi and exchange a few words. Moments later, Xi nods, and PM Modi continues.

What happened with Xi Jinping at the BRICS Summit?

The clip spread rapidly, fuelling comments about Xi’s well-being. China'S long-standing practice of treating leaders' health as a state secret has repeatedly encouraged such speculation whenever unusual public moments occur. Beijing has issued no statement on the incident, which took place during Xi's first visit to India in seven years.

However, verification of the summit footage by The Daily Jagran revealed that Xi's earpiece for simultaneous interpretation had lost sound. He signalled staff to fix the technical problem, explaining the brief interruption. Thus, PM Modi did not enquire about the well-being of Xi, but he asked about the technical issue with the earpiece. Earlier today, the Ministry of External Affairs Fact Check unit has also debunked a social media post which claimed that multiple world leaders fell ill after attending the grand summit in New Delhi.

No credible reports

As of now, no credible evidence supports claims that Xi fell seriously ill, fainted or suffered a stroke during the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on 12–13 September. The rumours remain unverified and conflict with official records from both China and India.

What China Democracy Party chairman claims

The more dramatic claims largely originated from posts on X by Wanjun Xie, chairman of the overseas China Democracy Party. Xie alleged that Xi fainted during the summit, received emergency treatment from his medical team, cut short his India visit, returned to Beijing on a special flight and was transferred by military helicopter to the PLA General Hospital (301 Hospital). He further claimed a diagnosis of "severe ischemic stroke" and that Xi refused treatment in India to conceal his condition.

ALSO READ: 'BRICS Should Be A Peacemaker': What Chinese President Xi Jinping Said On West Asia Conflict

Xi also skipped the gala dinner hosted by PM Modi; according to PTI sources, he returned to his hotel to rest and sent Foreign Minister Wang Yi in his place.

ALSO READ: Xi Jinping Missing From BRICS Gala Dinner: Why Did China's President Skip It?

These posts gained traction, amplified by commentators noting wider "rumours flying" in China about Xi’s health and possible political intrigue. Moreover, official Chinese records contradict the key speculations.

Xi followed the pre-announced schedule-- he attended sessions on both days, delivered a statement, held a bilateral meeting with PM Modi, left New Delhi at noon on 13 September after successfully concluding his visit, and returned to Beijing that evening accompanied by senior officials including Cai Qi and Wang Yi.

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Senior Indian officials saw him off at the airport. No Chinese or Indian source has confirmed any medical emergency or hospitalisation. Community Notes on X also flagged the original posts as unverified.

What happened with the South African President?

Separate reports that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa fell ill after the summit added to the online chatter. Earlier it was speculation, but the South African President’s Office on Wednesday confirmed that the leader is facing some health issues after returning from the summit in New Delhi.


“The Presidency wishes to advise that, due to ill health, President @CyrilRamaphosa is currently booked off from public engagements. President Ramaphosa, who returned from the BRICS Summit in India on Monday, has been advised by his medical team to rest and recover,” according to the statement issued on X.

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