MEA debunks fake reports of BRICS leaders falling ill after Delhi Summit
PTC Web Desk: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has rejected social media reports claiming that several world leaders fell ill after attending the BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
In a post on X, the MEA’s fact-checking unit called the reports “fake” and warned people against sharing what it described as “malicious” posts on social media.
The clarification came after South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office announced that he would stay away from public engagements because of ill health.
Fake Alert!!! ????????????
We caution against such malicious posts on social media platforms! https://t.co/NRu6Dfk7Yj — MEA FactCheck (@MEAFactCheck) September 17, 2026
According to the South African Presidency, Ramaphosa returned from India on Monday after attending the BRICS Summit. Doctors advised the 73-year-old president to rest and recover.
The Presidency said Ramaphosa would continue to work where possible, while ministers would represent him at some scheduled events.
South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile was also away from public engagements while recovering from a minor medical procedure.
PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA BOOKED OFF FROM PUBLIC ENGAGEMENTS
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.
Where possible, the President has asked the respective Ministers to represent him at scheduled public engagements.
ISSUED BY THE PRESIDENCY OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA — The Presidency ???????? (@PresidencyZA) September 16, 2026
At the same time, unverified claims circulated online that Chinese President Xi Jinping had left the BRICS Summit early because of health concerns and returned to China on a special flight. There is no independent confirmation of these claims.
Xi attended the BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and also held a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
BRICS Summit in Delhi
India hosted the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi from September 12 to 13. The meeting was held under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
Leaders from the expanded 11-member BRICS group discussed economic cooperation, global governance and major geopolitical issues.
The New Delhi Declaration called for international disputes to be addressed through dialogue, consultation and diplomacy.
The leaders also opposed unilateral and protectionist measures that they said were not consistent with international law.
The declaration further highlighted concerns over nuclear weapons and conflicts and called for stronger cooperation on global issues.
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- PTC NEWS
