Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Img: IANS)
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s opening address at the BRICS Summit in New Delhi witnessed a rare and unexpected moment when he briefly paused his speech after noticing Chinese President Xi Jinping appeared uncomfortable.
During his remarks at Bharat Mandapam, PM Modi looked towards Xi Jinping and asked the translator accompanying the Chinese leader, “Is he okay?” The Prime Minister repeated the question moments later, showing concern before continuing with his address after Xi responded positively.
The brief interaction, captured on camera, quickly became one of the most discussed moments from the BRICS Summit. Although the exact reason behind Xi’s apparent discomfort was not immediately clear, PM Modi’s gesture highlighted a personal and diplomatic warmth between the two leaders.
The moment came as India and China are attempting to improve bilateral ties after years of tensions linked to border issues. Xi Jinping’s visit to India for the BRICS Summit was his first trip to the country in seven years.
The summit also witnessed several symbolic moments between PM Modi and Xi Jinping. From a warm welcome at Bharat Mandapam to their handshake and discussions on the sidelines of the summit, both leaders showcased efforts to maintain dialogue despite differences.
PM Modi, Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin were also seen together during the summit, creating a widely shared image amid changing global geopolitical equations.
Despite the visible warmth, the India-China relationship continues to face challenges, especially over border issues. During their bilateral meeting, both leaders stressed the importance of maintaining peace and stability while working towards improving relations.
The viral “Is he okay?” moment added a human touch to a summit dominated by discussions on global governance, trade, technology and international cooperation.
