The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has rejected social media reports claiming that several world leaders fell ill after attending the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, describing the claims as “fake.”
In a post on X on Thursday, the MEA’s fact-checking unit cautioned people against what it called “malicious” posts circulating on social media platforms.
“Fake Alert!!! 🚨🚨🚨 We caution against such malicious posts on social media platforms!” the ministry said.
Ramaphosa’s Illness Fuels Online Claims
The MEA’s clarification came after the office of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that he had withdrawn from public engagements following his return from India.
According to the South African presidency, Ramaphosa was advised by doctors to rest and recover due to ill health.
Ramaphosa returned from the BRICS Summit on Monday and has since been resting on medical advice. The presidency said that, where possible, ministers would represent him at scheduled public engagements.
The development was subsequently used in social media posts making broader claims about the health of leaders who attended the summit.
Unverified Claims About Xi Jinping
Separate unverified reports also claimed that Chinese President Xi Jinping had left the BRICS Summit early for medical reasons and returned to China on a special plane.
The reports were not substantiated in the material cited by the MEA, which warned against what it described as malicious social media posts.
South Africa’s Deputy President Also Recovering
The situation in South Africa also involved Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who was recovering from a minor medical procedure.
His absence, along with Ramaphosa’s withdrawal from public engagements, meant that both of South Africa’s top leaders were temporarily away from some public engagements.
Mashatile said he would continue resting on doctors’ advice while official work and delegated responsibilities continued.
BRICS Summit Held In New Delhi
The BRICS Summit 2026 was held in New Delhi from September 12 to 13, with India hosting the meeting under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
The summit brought together the expanded 11-member grouping, with leaders discussing a range of global economic, diplomatic and geopolitical issues.
The New Delhi Declaration reaffirmed the group’s commitment to resolving international disputes through dialogue, consultation and diplomacy.
The declaration also expressed concern over growing risks related to conflict and nuclear dangers and called for a multilateral approach to major global issues.
BRICS Leaders Raise Concerns Over Trade Measures
The declaration also addressed unilateral trade and economic measures.
BRICS members opposed what they described as unilateral, punitive, discriminatory and protectionist measures that they said were inconsistent with international law.
The grouping also expressed concern that such measures could undermine efforts by developing countries to address climate change and strengthen their resilience.
The MEA’s latest clarification comes amid the continued spread of unverified claims surrounding the health of leaders who attended the New Delhi summit.