SRINAGAR: The Ministry of External Affairs has rejected social media claims that multiple world leaders fell ill after attending the BRICS summit in New Delhi, describing the posts as fake and cautioning users against circulating what it called “malicious posts”.
The MEA’s Fact Check Unit issued the warning on Thursday on X, stating: “Fake Alert!!! We caution against such malicious posts on social media platforms!”
The clarification followed a series of unverified posts concerning the health of leaders who attended the 18th BRICS Summit, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
One widely circulated claim, attributed to Wanjun Xie, chairman of the China Democracy Party, alleged that Xi had fainted during the summit, suffered a stroke and was flown back to Beijing for treatment. There has been no official confirmation from Chinese authorities or credible news organisations supporting those claims.
The reports about Xi gained attention after he reportedly did not attend the summit dinner. However, no official statement has confirmed that the Chinese president suffered a stroke or required emergency hospital treatment.
Separately, Ramaphosa’s office confirmed that the South African president had been advised by his medical team to rest and recover because of ill health after returning from India. The Presidency said on September 16 that he had been “booked off” from public engagements and that ministers would represent him where possible.
Ramaphosa returned from India on Monday after attending the BRICS summit, which was held in New Delhi from September 12 to 13. South Africa’s Presidency had confirmed his participation in the summit and recorded his engagements there on September 12 and 13.
The Presidency, however, did not disclose the nature or severity of Ramaphosa’s illness or indicate that it was linked to his participation in the BRICS summit.
