China-India tensions rise at 2026 BRICS Summit

Diplomatic tensions surfaced at the 2026 BRICS Summit in India following the unexpected early departure of the Chinese President. After the main sessions concluded, the Chinese leader bypassed the scheduled return to his hotel and headed directly to the airport, notably absent from the formal state dinner hosted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The friction reportedly stems from a breakdown in trade negotiations. India declined to sign a trade agreement valued at nearly $50 billion after Beijing pressured the country to adopt the yuan as the primary settlement currency for the deal. Additionally, disputes arose regarding diplomatic protocols and the level of reception requested by the Chinese delegation, leading to a significant rift between the two Asian powers during the summit.