‘Is it okay?’ PM Modi pauses speech as Xi appears uncomfortable; Chinese president skips gala dinner

Is It Okay PM Modi? Brief Pause During Brics Speech Draws Attention

Thedeshpost.com – Is it okay PM Modi became a widely discussed moment after Prime Minister Narendra Modi briefly paused his opening remarks at the Brics Summit in New Delhi when Chinese President Xi Jinping appeared uncomfortable.

Modi turned towards Xi and asked the interpreter seated with the Chinese leader, “Is it okay?” He repeated the question shortly afterwards before resuming his speech. Footage of the event shows the exchange taking place around the four-and-a-half-minute mark of the address.

The reason for Xi’s apparent discomfort was not immediately clear. It may have been connected to audio arrangements or interpretation, but there was no immediate official explanation from the Chinese side.

Modi and Xi discuss India-China relations

The Is it okay PM Modi moment came as Xi visited India for the first time in seven years. During the summit, Modi and Xi held a 40-minute bilateral meeting focused on the future of India-China ties.

Both leaders agreed that their countries should approach the relationship from a strategic and long-term perspective. They also said differences should not be allowed to turn into disputes.

Xi said the recent improvement in bilateral engagement had been difficult to achieve and should be valued. He referred to the revival of institutional exchanges, wider cooperation opportunities and growing trade links between the two countries.

“Prime Minister highlighted that both sides must be guided by three mutuals—mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest,” the Indian readout said.

Modi welcomed the steady improvement in relations but underlined that peace and tranquillity in border areas remain essential for stronger ties. The meeting was the third bilateral interaction between Modi and Xi in two years, following meetings in Kazan in 2024 and Tianjin last year.

Border stability and trade remain key concerns

During the talks, Modi urged both sides to comply with existing agreements and understandings on border-related matters. India and China reaffirmed their intention to seek a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable settlement of the boundary issue.

The boundary question remains central to bilateral relations. Since the 2024 Kazan meeting, which marked the end of the eastern Ladakh border standoff, the countries’ Special Representatives have held three rounds of discussions.

Modi also raised India’s trade deficit with China and called for dependable supply chains and meaningful, predictable access to Chinese markets. The leaders discussed trade imbalances, supply-chain resilience and potential areas for wider economic cooperation.

The Is it okay PM Modi exchange drew attention because it occurred during a high-profile summit, but the broader meeting remained focused on practical cooperation, border management and long-term stability in India-China relations.

Xi skips Brics gala dinner

Xi did not attend a gala dinner hosted by Modi for Brics leaders, partner countries and representatives of international organisations at Bharat Mandapam. No immediate reason for his absence was publicly provided.

The leaders also noted progress in people-to-people engagement and called for greater cultural exchanges, business links and mobility. They agreed to explore common ground on regional and global issues while continuing to address difficult bilateral concerns.

FAQ: Is it okay PM Modi moment

What did PM Modi say to Xi Jinping during the speech?

Modi briefly asked, “Is it okay?” while looking towards Xi Jinping and the interpreter seated beside him, before continuing his opening remarks.

Why did PM Modi pause his Brics speech?

The exact reason was not immediately established. Xi appeared uncomfortable, and the pause may have been related to interpretation or audio arrangements.

What did Modi and Xi discuss in their bilateral meeting?

They discussed long-term India-China relations, border stability, trade imbalances, supply chains, market access, cultural exchanges and cooperation on regional and global matters.