MEA Rejects BRICS Leaders Illness Claims
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has rejected social media claims that several world leaders fell ill after attending the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, describing the reports as fake and warning against the spread of unverified information. The speculation intensified after South African President Cyril Ramaphosa temporarily withdrew from public engagements due to ill health.
MEA Rejects BRICS Summit Illness Claims
The ministry’s fact-checking unit cautioned against social media posts attempting to link illnesses among foreign leaders to their participation in the September 12-13 BRICS Summit.
No official evidence has emerged establishing that multiple leaders became ill because of the summit or that any reported health conditions were connected to their visit to India.
Ramaphosa Advised to Rest After India Visit
South Africa’s Presidency confirmed that Ramaphosa temporarily withdrew from public engagements after returning from India.
His medical team advised him to rest and recover because of ill health, while ministers were asked to represent him at scheduled engagements where necessary.
Authorities did not disclose the nature of his illness or establish any connection with the BRICS Summit.
Xi Jinping Health Rumours Remain Unverified
Separate social media claims alleged that Chinese President Xi Jinping experienced a medical emergency and left India early.
Those claims remain unverified, with no official confirmation from either Chinese or Indian authorities supporting reports of a serious medical episode.
Xi attended the BRICS Summit and held bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to New Delhi.
The episode highlights how quickly unverified health claims involving world leaders can spread following major international events.
