New Delhi, Sept. 13 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping skipped a gala dinner hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday for the leaders of the BRICS nations, other countries participating in the BRICS Summit and international organisations, sources aware of the matter said.

Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, who left for home after attending the BRICS Summit during the day, was also a notable absentee at the high dinner table.

The reason for the absence of the Chinese president is not immediately known but people familiar suggested that Xi had gone back to his hotel to take rest.

Jinping, who arrived here on Saturday, has flown back to China.

The gala dinner at Bharat Mandapam featured an elaborate all-vegetaria...