The second informal summit between India and China has concluded on a positive note at Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu where Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping held talks on a wide range of topics for two days.
Both the leaders were in a one on one conversation for about an hour this morning at the serene atmosphere of the Pallava era coastal town. It was followed by the delegation-level talks between the two sides. It was joined by External Affairs Minister Dr S.Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, among others.
Prime Minister Modi mentioned that since ancient times, India and China have been the major economic powers in the world. He said, both the countries are now regaining the prominent position.
President Xi Jinping in his opening remarks said, he is overwhelmed by the warm reception that was offered to him in India.
At the end of the talks, both the leaders saw a live demonstration of weaving silk sarees. They also visited the exhibition of handicrafts and artefacts. Prime Minister Modi presented a specially woven shawl to President Xi Jinping, depicting the portrait of the visitor. It was specially made at Sirumugai in Coimbatore. Prime Minister Modi also presented a Kanchipuram silk saree to the visiting dignitary.
On the first day of the Summit yesterday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi guided President Xi around the iconic monuments in the Pallava era town of Mamallapuram, that boasts of historic links with China. The dinner hosted by Mr Modi to the visiting leader there last night went on for extended hours, signifying the growing warmth and personal rapport between the two leaders.
The Chinese President acknowledged during his one-on-one talks yesterday that both India and China, being big and complex societies, face the common threat of radicalization and terrorism. They discussed their national vision and governance priorities. They also agreed to explore ways of further expanding mutual trade and investments.
This is the second edition of the informal summit between the two sides, the first being the Wuhan summit held in April last year.
Briefing media on conclusion of the Informal Summit, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said the two leaders had a conversation for almost 90 minutes today, followed by delegation-level talks. He said, a total of 6 hours of one to one meeting was held between the two leaders during this summit. Mr Gokhale added that there was a new focus on people to people relations and it was decided that the public of both countries must be brought in the relationship.