Questions about Xi Jinping’s health emerged during the BRICS Summit in New Delhi after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi briefly interrupted his opening remarks on September 12 to ask Xi twice, “Is it OK?” Footage broadcast by India’s Doordarshan showed a staff member approaching Xi and handing him something, although it was unclear what had happened. The incident nevertheless triggered online speculation about Xi’s health. Some Indian media reports offered an alternative explanation, suggesting that it could have been related to a microphone or translation issue.
Independent commentator Xiang Yang made another observation, saying that Xi appeared to have difficulty walking up the aircraft stairs when leaving India. He described Xi as showing apparent weakness on the left side of his body. Xiang speculated that this could indicate damage to the right side of the brain, which controls movement on the left side of the body. This was Xiang Yang’s speculation and has not been medically confirmed.
Update:
Russian state broadcaster Russia-1 reported that the “Is it OK?” incident was likely caused by a malfunctioning simultaneous-translation earpiece, rather than a health issue. Its released footage showed Xi’s aides examining and adjusting his earpiece and receiver before providing replacement equipment, which Xi then tested and adjusted himself.
However, Xi was absence from the summit dinner that evening. This also prompted speculation. Russian media attributed it to his busy schedule, reporting that he returned to his hotel to rest after the day’s activities.
Sources:
{1} Epoch Times, September 14, 2026
https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/26/9/14/n14849131.htm
{2} Yahoo (Taiwan), September 18, 2026
https://tw.news.yahoo.com/影-俄媒還原現場-莫迪兩問習近平-還好嗎-疑因翻譯耳機出包-055804628.html