‘Fake Alert’: MEA Denies Reports Of World Leaders Falling Sick After BRICS Summit

India’s Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday dismissed reports claiming that several world leaders fell ill after attending the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, calling the reports “fake.”

In a post on X, the ministry’s fact-checking unit cautioned against what it described as “malicious” social media posts.

“Fake Alert!!! 🚨🚨🚨 We caution against such malicious posts on social media platforms!” the ministry said.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa Unwell

The MEA’s clarification came after the Office of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that he had withdrawn from public engagements after returning from the BRICS Summit in India.

The presidency said the 73-year-old leader had been advised by doctors to rest and recover due to ill health.

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

Ramaphosa returned from the summit on Monday and has since been resting on medical advice, according to the statement.

“Where possible, the President has asked the respective Ministers to represent him at scheduled public engagements,” the presidency said.

His absence comes as South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile is also recovering from a minor medical procedure, leaving both of the country’s top leaders away from public engagements.

“On the advice of my doctors, I will continue resting until advised otherwise while work and delegated responsibilities continue to be underway in the capable team in my office with other stakeholders in government, business and other sectors,” Mashatile said.

Unverified Claims About Xi Jinping

Separately, unverified reports on social media claimed that Chinese President Xi Jinping had left the BRICS Summit early for medical reasons and returned to China on a special aircraft.

The MEA’s fact-checking unit rejected the broader claims that multiple leaders had fallen ill after attending the summit.

BRICS Summit In New Delhi

The BRICS Summit was held in New Delhi from September 12 to 13, 2026, under India’s chairship and the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”

The summit brought together the grouping’s 11 members as India sought to build consensus on a wide range of global economic, geopolitical and security issues.

In their joint declaration, BRICS leaders expressed concern over the risks of nuclear conflict and reaffirmed their commitment to resolving international disputes peacefully.

The declaration also called for disputes to be addressed through dialogue, consultation and diplomacy, while recognising the differing positions of member countries on major international issues.

BRICS Criticises Unilateral Measures

The leaders also criticised unilateral coercive measures and protectionist policies, in an apparent reference to tariff and trade measures imposed by countries including the United States.

The New Delhi declaration said BRICS members opposed “unilateral, punitive, discriminatory and protectionist measures” that are inconsistent with international law.

The grouping also expressed concern over measures such as carbon border adjustment mechanisms, arguing that they could undermine developing countries’ efforts to tackle climate change and strengthen resilience.