What Xi Jinping’s awkward India Trip Revealed

Sep 16, 2026 - 09:40

“Is he okay?” That question followed Xi Jinping through a strangely awkward trip to India. But one of the most unusual details came during his meeting with Modi: Zhou Hongxu, the head of his security, was sitting directly at the negotiating table. Add to that a low-key airport welcome, Xi’s interpreter being blocked by security, Modi appearing to check on him during the summit, and Xi later skipping the leaders’ dinner. Together with growing competition inside BRICS and a tense meeting with Modi, the trip raised a bigger question: what did India reveal about Xi’s standing abroad—and his position back home?