Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi

NEW DELHI: Amid reports that Chinese president Xi Jinping skipped the Brics gala dinner hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, China was represented at the high-profile gathering by foreign minister Wang Yi on Saturday.The dinner was hosted by Modi at Bharat Mandapam, the venue of the 18th Brics Summit, and was attended by Brics leaders, senior delegates from participating countries and representatives of international organisations.Wang, who is part of the Chinese delegation attending the summit, represented China at the dinner, news agency ANI reported, quoting sources. The reason for Xi’s absence was not immediately known. However, earlier another source cited by news agency PTI had suggested that the Chinese president had returned to his hotel to rest.Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, who had attended the summit earlier in the day, was also among the notable absentees after leaving for home.Russian president Vladimir Putin and other leaders of the Brics attended the dinner. Union ministers and the chief ministers of several states were also present on the occasion.Xi, who arrived in New Delhi on Saturday afternoon, had attended the Brics Leaders’ Summit proceedings earlier in the day and held a bilateral meeting with Modi on the sidelines.During the meeting, Xi said India and China should approach their relationship from a long-term strategic perspective.“China-India relations have developed, with both sides keeping in mind the long-term development of bilateral relations from a strategic perspective,” Xi said.He added that despite differences, the two countries had been able to “support and help each other to achieve common development.”Xi also noted that it was his second visit to New Delhi in 12 years and that the two leaders had met more than 20 times during that period, resulting in “a series of important consensuses”.Modi, meanwhile, thanked China for its support during India’s Brics chairship.

“It gives me great pleasure to extend a warm welcome to you. Thank you very much for your positive remarks at the Brics Summit. I express my gratitude for the support and cooperation received from China during India’s Brics chairmanship,” Modi said.“We now have the opportunity to discuss bilateral cooperation. Once again, a warm welcome to India,” he added.The two sides also reaffirmed their commitment to a “fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable resolution” of the India-China boundary question and said differences should not become disputes. The Ministry of External Affairs said both sides stressed the need for “mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest.” The Chinese president on Sunday left New Delhi after attending the Summit.Meanwhile, the gala dinner featured a menu showcasing regional Indian cuisine, including Khandvi Mille-Feuille, Khumb Galouti, Paneer Lababdar, Gucchi Marmik, millet pulao, beetroot raita, jalebi and Shahtoot Phirni.