Russian President Putin and Other Leaders Attended the Dinner

New Delhi : Chinese President Xi Jinping did not attend the gala dinner hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday for leaders participating in the BRICS summit, as well as representatives from partner nations and international organizations. News agencies reported this information, citing sources.

According to the agency, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed was also absent from the dinner; he had returned to his country after attending the summit earlier in the day.

The reason for Xi’s absence was not immediately known, though a source indicated that he had returned to his hotel to rest. He had arrived in Delhi on Saturday afternoon, participated in the BRICS summit, and held a bilateral meeting with PM Modi. This marks his first visit to India in seven years.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and other BRICS leaders attended the dinner. Union Ministers Amit Shah, Nirmala Sitharaman, Piyush Goyal, Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Shivraj Singh Chouhan were also present. Leaders such as Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, West Bengal leader Suvendu Adhikari, and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also attended the event.

Union Ministers and Chief Ministers traveled in two buses from the Parliament House to the dinner venue at Bharat Mandapam. The menu featured dishes such as Khandvi Mille-feuille, Khumb Galouti, Paneer Lababdar, Gucchi Marmik, Carrot-Bean Poriyal, and Millet Pulao. Desserts included Jalebi served with Old Delhi-style fruit cream and Mulberry Phirni.

While many BRICS leaders and Indian dignitaries attended the dinner, Xi and the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi did not participate.

Report – Abhijit Tushar Bhatt (Political Editor)