‘Fake alert’: MEA debunks reports of world leaders falling ill after BRICS Summit

MEA has dismissed as “fake” social media reports claiming that several world leaders fell ill after attending the BRICS Summit in New Delhi.

The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday dismissed as “fake” reports claiming that several world leaders fell ill after attending the BRICS Summit in India.

In a post on X, the ministry’s fact-checking unit warned users against what it described as “malicious” content circulating on social media platforms.

"Fake Alert!!! We caution against such malicious posts on social media platforms," the ministry’s fact-checking unit posted on X.

Cyril Ramaphosa fall sick

The ministry’s remarks followed a statement from the office of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, which said he had stepped back from public engagements after returning from the BRICS Summit in India. The office added that the 73-year-old president had been advised by doctors to rest and recover due to ill health.  

The presidency said Ramaphosa returned from the summit on Monday and has been resting since then on doctors’ advice.

“The Presidency wishes to advise that, due to ill health, President Cyril Ramaphosa is currently booked off from public engagements.”

“Where possible, the President has asked the respective Ministers to represent him at scheduled public engagements,” the statement further reads.

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Several unverified reports also alleged that Chinese President Xi Jinping left the BRICS Summit ahead of schedule due to medical reasons and returned to China aboard a special flight.  

BRICS Summit 2026

The BRICS Summit was held in New Delhi, India, from 12 to 13 September 2026. Under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” India hosted the meeting and confronted the challenging task of forging consensus within an increasingly diverse 11-member grouping.

The BRICS Summit in India brought together several leaders from the bloc, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Also Read | What happened to Xi Jinping at BRICS? Stroke claim clashes with public record

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