BRICS 2026: Did PM Narendra Modi gift his own portrait to China's President Xi Jinping?

His attendance at the BRICS Summit in New Delhi is special primarily. A photo of PM Modi and President Xi Jinping has now gone viral.

In it, the PM and the Chinese Leader are seen holding a portrait of the former. Xi Jinping's attendance is significant as it marks his first visit to India in seven years, indicating a potential diplomatic thaw following previous clashes between India and China.

What Happened

PM Modi proposed a 10-point reform roadmap for global governance, advocating for a shift from a 'pyramid of privilege' to a 'platform of partnership' where all nations have a voice and stake. Yes, PM Modi emphasized that the Global South should transition.

• It is his first visit to India in seven years, hinting at a major diplomatic thaw after the 2020 clash in the Galwan Valley of Ladakh.

• The viral claim suggested that PM Modi gifted a portrait of himself to China's President Xi Jinping during the BRICS Summit 2026.

• However, this was proven false as the image dates back to the 2019 Mahabalipuram Summit.

Key Details

The Chinese President gifted PM Modi a porcelain memento bearing his picture. Clarifying the same, the official X handle of Press Information Bureau's Fact Check wing wrote, "A video is being shared online claiming that Prime Minister @narendramodi gifted a portrait of.

• The Press Information Bureau clarified that the porcelain memento featuring PM Modi's image was actually gifted to him by Xi Jinping during the 2019 Mahabalipuram Summit, refuting claims of Modi gifting a portrait to.

• However, the picture turns out to be from 2019.

• It dates back to the 2019 Mahabalipuram Summit when PM Modi and President Xi Jinping exchanged gifts.

Why It Matters

It is also scheduled to hold a series of bilateral meetings, including with President Xi. The day will conclude with a gala dinner hosted by Modi featuring a “BRICS Symphony” with about 160 artists, mostly Indian dancers and musicians alongside performers from.

• Meanwhile, Saturday’s agenda for BRICS 2026 includes a closed-door session on global governance and multilateralism.

• She has spent more than three and a half years with the HT Group and returned to the organisation in February 2025, joining Live Mint to uplift the entertainment section.

What Reports Say

Coverage of the story so far points to:

• Continued reporting by Livemint as more details emerge