PM Modi checks on Xi Jinping mid speech at BRICS Summit, asks, ‘Is it okay?’
PM Modi Checks on Xi Jinping During BRICS Summit Address in New Delhi
Bharatmorning.com – PM Modi checks on Xi Jinping during his address at the BRICS Summit in New Delhi after noticing the Chinese president appearing uncomfortable. Prime Minister Narendra Modi briefly paused his remarks and asked Xi’s interpreter whether everything was all right.
The exchange took place on the opening day of the summit as Xi Jinping sat with other visiting leaders. Modi asked, “Is it okay?”, and sought reassurance again moments later before continuing his speech. Xi indicated that he was fine.
The reason for Xi’s apparent discomfort was not immediately known. Xi, who was visiting India for the first time in seven years, later returned to his hotel to rest and did not attend the gala dinner for BRICS leaders on Saturday evening.
India-China talks held alongside BRICS meeting
The moment in which PM Modi checks on Xi Jinping came amid wider diplomatic engagement between New Delhi and Beijing. The two leaders held a bilateral meeting in New Delhi on September 12 on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, with discussions lasting more than 50 minutes.
Their talks covered India-China relations, including border peace, trade, market access and people-to-people exchanges. Modi said peace and stability along the border are essential to improving the overall relationship between the two countries.
Both sides discussed a framework based on mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest. They also reaffirmed that differences should not become disputes and that the boundary question requires a fair and mutually acceptable settlement.
Xi described India and China as partners rather than competitors and called for a long-term approach to bilateral cooperation. The meeting highlighted the continuing importance of dialogue between the two Asian powers.
BRICS leaders meet at Bharat Mandapam
The summit resumed on its second and final day at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Modi welcomed visiting heads of state and government, who joined him for the traditional group photograph.
In his remarks, Modi outlined the priorities of India’s BRICS presidency: resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability. He said the grouping had worked to turn shared aspirations into practical arrangements that could benefit member countries.
BRICS provides a forum for emerging economies to discuss development, trade, global governance, public health, climate challenges and security concerns. India’s emphasis was on cooperation that can deliver practical outcomes for governments and communities.
Health security and disaster preparedness
Modi said international tensions, pandemics, climate-related disasters and supply-chain disruptions can directly affect ordinary people. He stressed that major emergencies increasingly have consequences beyond the regions where they begin.
He announced that BRICS members had agreed on a BRICS Integrated Early Warning System for infectious diseases. The system is intended to improve preparedness and support faster, coordinated responses to emerging health threats.
Modi also said the grouping had prepared Early Warning Data Integration Guidelines for disaster management. Shared information can help authorities identify risks earlier, improve emergency planning and respond more quickly when disasters occur.
FAQ: BRICS Summit in New Delhi
Why did PM Modi ask about Xi Jinping during his speech?
Modi appeared to notice Xi looking uncomfortable and briefly paused his address to ask the interpreter whether the Chinese president was all right. Xi signalled that he was fine.
What did Modi and Xi discuss in their bilateral meeting?
The leaders discussed India-China relations, including border stability, commercial ties, access to markets and people-to-people contacts.
What new BRICS measures did Modi announce?
Modi said BRICS members agreed on an Integrated Early Warning System for infectious diseases and prepared data-integration guidelines for disaster management.