New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday rejected social media reports claiming that several world leaders fell ill after attending the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, describing the reports as “fake” and warning against what it called malicious posts circulating online.
The MEA’s fact-checking unit issued the clarification on X amid online speculation surrounding the health of leaders who attended the summit hosted by India on September 12 and 13.
The clarification came after the Presidency of South Africa confirmed that President Cyril Ramaphosa had temporarily withdrawn from public engagements after returning from India. According to the South African Presidency, the 73-year-old president was advised by doctors to rest and recover due to ill health.
“Due to ill health, President Cyril Ramaphosa is currently booked off from public engagements,” the Presidency said. Ramaphosa returned from the BRICS Summit on Monday and has been resting on medical advice. He also asked ministers to represent him at scheduled engagements where necessary.
South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile was also recovering from a minor medical procedure, according to the report.
The developments subsequently triggered speculation on social media, with some unverified posts attempting to link the health-related developments involving foreign leaders to their participation in the BRICS Summit in India.
Similar claims circulated about Chinese President Xi Jinping, with reports alleging that he had left the summit early for medical reasons and returned to China on a special aircraft. The MEA, however, cautioned against such unverified narratives.
The BRICS Summit in New Delhi brought together leaders of the expanded 11-member grouping under India’s presidency. The summit was held under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
India’s hosting of the summit placed New Delhi at the centre of discussions on global economic cooperation, geopolitical tensions and development priorities. The joint declaration called for dialogue, consultation and diplomacy to resolve international disputes and expressed concern over growing nuclear risks.
The declaration also criticised unilateral and protectionist measures that the grouping said were inconsistent with international law, while highlighting the concerns of developing countries over their economic and climate-related impacts.
The MEA’s intervention comes as India continues to emphasise the importance of factual information and responsible communication around major international events hosted by the country.
