Modi and Xi Jinping discussed terror and trade in Mamallapuram: Foreign Secretary
Mamallapuram, TN: India's foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, who spent the day in the UNESCO world heritage site of Mamallapuram in Tamil Nadu, had discussions for over five hours and about 150 minutes over meal where they among others expressed concern over radicalisation and terrorism. The talks would continue tomorrow.
Briefing media on the second informal meeting of Modi and Jinping (briefing was delayed by hours owing to the long engagement of the two leaders over dinner), Gokhale said they discussed challenges of terrorism and radicalisation.
Radicalisation was a matter of concern to both, he said, adding that Modi and Jinping discussed that it should not be allowed to affect our multi cultural and multi-religious societies' fabric.
The meeting assumes significance since it is held under the shadow of India's move to do away with the special status of Kashmir (abrogation of Article 370) and Pakistan's attempt to internationalise it and involve China, a supposed close ally of the former, to target India.
The images of the two leaders conversing at a UNESCO World Heritage site are in true Modi style of diplomacy with world leaders out in the open instead of behind closed doors.
Following are the other highlights of the day between two leaders as briefed by the foreign secretary:
The two leaders had 5 hours of one to one discussion and they spent about 150 minutes over meal.
They discussed trade value, balance of trade and trade deficit and investment.
The PM gave a tour of the world heritage site to the Chinese president.
The two leaders spoke about the historical and trading links of east coast of China and southern India.
Modi explained the philosophical ethos of the monuments and the harmony between man and nature as reflected through them.
The talks were open and cordial and they shared their national visions.
Xi Jinping said he was looking forward to working with Modi.
PM Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping spent the day in Mamallapuram area of Tamil Nadu visiting several moments in the venue.
Modi could be seen wearing traditional southern attire during the meeting between the two leaders. From Arjuna’s Penance and Krishna’s Butter Ball to the Shore Temple Monuments and Pancha Rathas complex, they carried out conversation roaming the tourist attractions in Tamil Nadu.
The Indian PM earlier in the day tweeted and welcomed the Chinese leader to India. Xi is visiting India to attend the second informal meeting with Modi. The images of the two leaders conversing at a UNESCO World Heritage site are in true Modi style of diplomacy with world leaders out in the open instead of behind closed doors.
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