Michel Temer did not meet privately with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, during the BRICS Summit over the weekend in India. Brazil’s president was the only leader of the group of emerging economies formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa to not hold bilateral meetings with Putin.

The revelation contrasts with Temer’s declarations, suggesting that he had a close exchange with Putin in which he explained the details of his controversial plan to cap Brazil’s budget. He said that Putin expressed “vivid interest” in the plan.

Bilateral meetings are considered a sign of diplomatic respect. In India, Putin held such meetings with the Chinese leader (Xi Jinping), the Indian prime minister (Narendra Modi) and the South African president (Jacob Zuma).

News outlet Russia Today, however, has said that a meeting did not occur with Temer because of the “abrupt change” in the Brazilian political leadership, referring to Dilma Rousseff’s impeachment. The BRICS leaders are allegedly “paying close attention” to Temer to understand Brazil’s current political direction. However, Temer declared to the media that he was welcomed “with understanding” by all BRICS leaders.