Modi-Xi Summit to Charter New Course for Sino-India Ties
After their first informal meeting at the Sabarmati Ashram of Mahatma Gandhi in Gujarat in 2014, it's Xi's turn to host Modi for an informal summit.
The details of the informal summit were not disclosed, but officials said it includes walks by the two leaders in the East Lake where they will take a boat ride and walk accompanied just by their translators.
Modi will have meetings with Xi on Friday and the day after, which officials say could become a game-changer if they manage to reach consensus on finding the solution to the problems, including the way forward to resolve the boundary dispute and other vexed issues that bedevilled the ties.
Officials on both sides played down speculation of any agreement to be reached between the two leaders saying that no such thing was on the table. Modi and Xi will try to work out a general framework for relations to move ahead without much of great expectations about the outcome, Indian officials said.
Conceived on the lines of the 1988 ice-breaking visit to China undertaken by the then prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, and his far-reaching talks with China's paramount leader Deng Xiaoping setting a new tone for the relations post-1962 war, Xi-Modi dialogue at Wuhan is aimed at a working out a new paradigm for the bilateral relations for the next 15 years, they said.
The talks will focus on adhering to the principle that both countries should be sensitive to each other's concerns and aspirations, the sources said.
It is a leadership driven summit providing a leadership driven direction and a way forward to more stable bilateral ties, they added.
This will be fourth visit of Modi to China after he came to power in 2014. He is again due to visit the country to take part in the SCO summit to be held at Qingdao city from 9 to 10 June.
(With inputs from PTI and ANI.)
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Modi Leaves for China For Two-Day Summit with Xi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday, 26 April, left for Wuhan, in central China, where he is scheduled to take part in an informal two-day summit with the Chinese President Xi Jinping starting Friday.
#WATCH: PM Narendra Modi leaves for Wuhan, #China. He will hold an informal meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on 27th & 28th April. pic.twitter.com/k5P8DprVtW
The two leaders will have strategic communication on the major changes in the international landscape unseen in more than 100 years, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou said. He was apparently referring to the changes following US President Donald Trump's aggressive 'America First' policy, which are threatening to undermine the process of globalisation, of which India and China are the biggest beneficiaries.
Kong further said Modi will stay in the most comfortable place in Wuhan, without revealing the location, citing security reasons.
The two leaders will spend two days in Wuhan. In these two days, they will engage with each other on various forums. What I can tell you is that they will spend a lot of time together one-on-one. This kind of one-on-one is not often seen in other countries.Kong Xuanyou, Chinese Vice Foreign MinisterThe upcoming summit will be an informal one, different from formal visits. The summit will be relaxed and friendly with a rich format, the minister said.
Modi-Xi Summit Will be New Landmark in Ties: Chinese Daily
The two-day informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping could be a "new landmark" in bilateral ties and can help reduce differences, a write-up in the state-run Chinese media said on 26 April.
Xi and Modi are expected to exchange views on issues of strategic, long-term and overall importance at their informal meeting in Wuhan, an article in the China Daily said."The meeting will be a new landmark in China-India relations, infusing fresh vigour into bilateral ties and ushering in a new phase of cooperation," it said.
Amidst US President Donald Trump's protectionist trade moves, the two of the biggest emerging market economies, China and India encounter hurdles not only on the path to their respective development, but also for the rejuvenation of Asia, a common goal of the two sides, it said.
Referring to last year's tensions on a host of issues including the Dokalam crisis, it said the tone of cooperation in bilateral relations has been maintained despite the tensions.
Thankfully, last summer's border standoff was a brief affair. Nevertheless, it helped the two sides recognise the importance of crisis management and deepening their cooperation. The series of subsequent high-level meetings, including Modi's scheduled visit to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Qingdao, Shandong province, in June attests to that. With candid communication between Xi and Modi, the Wuhan summit is expected to reduce the differences and build consensus between the two countries.Chinese DailyThe two leaders will focus their talks on the current world order. The synchronised and rapid development of the two countries is beneficial to the stability of the world and conducive to striking the right balance among international powers, it said.
Xi and Modi are expected to exchange their governance experiences, which could help the two sides learn from each other so they can better realise the daunting tasks of leading the world's two most populous countries on their chosen development paths.
They are also likely to discuss how to address major international challenges. The common interests of China and India far outweigh their differences, it said.
For instance, they share a common interest in improving the international trade and financial system, as well as the global energy market.
The two sides also share extensive common interests in strengthening cooperation under the frameworks of the BRICS, the SCO, and the G20, it said.
PM Modi Arrives in Wuhan
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Wuhan, China on Thursday, 26 April, reported ANI. The PM was received by Kong Xuanyou, Assistant Minister of the Ministry of foreign affairs of China, Luo Zhaohui (Ambassador), Tong Daochi (Vice-Governor of Hubei) and many others.
#WATCH: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Wuhan, #China. The PM was received by Kong Xuanyou, Assistant Minister of the Ministry of foreign affairs of China, Luo Zhaohui (Ambassador), Tong Daochi (Vice-Governor of Hubei) and many others. pic.twitter.com/Kuq2k2j8gy
'The Two Leaders Will Review Developments in Bilateral Relations': MEA Spokesperson
A special moment past midnight as PM @narendramodi was warmly welcomed in Wuhan for the 1st Informal Summit with Chinese President Xi. The two leaders will review the developments in our bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective. pic.twitter.com/DBI5RBaNKu
PM Modi Meets Xi Jinping, Gets A Warm Welcome in Wuhan
PM Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Hubei Provincial Museum in Wuhan on Friday. The two leaders held an “informal” one-on-one meeting with each other.
They watched a cultural performance before the meeting.
Visited Wuhan on a Study Tour: PM Modi
PM Narendra Modi, on 27 April, said that he had visited the province when he was the chief minister of Gujarat.
When I was Gujarat CM, I had the opportunity to visit this province. I had heard lot about Three Gorges Dam. The speed with which you constructed it and scale inspired me. So I came on a study tour and spent a day at the dam.PM Narendra Modi in Wuhan'You Look Tense', Tweets Rahul Gandhi
Taking a dig at PM Narendra Modi, Congress President Rahul Gandhi tweeted saying that the prime minister “looked tense” during his “no agenda” meet with Xi Jinping.
Dear PM,
Saw the live TV feed of your “No Agenda” China visit.
You look tense!
A quick reminder:
1. DOKLAM
2. China Pakistan Eco Corridor passes through POK. That's Indian territory.
India wants to hear you talk about these crucial issues.
You have our support.PM Modi Visits Hubei Provincial Museum with Chinese President Xi Jinping
Live: PM Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping visit Hubei Provincial Museum in China
PM Modi, Chinese PM Xi Jinping Hold Delegation Level Talks
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held delegation-level talks in Hubei.
Addressing the delegations-level meeting, PM Modi thanked the Chinese president for welcoming him to Wuhan.
The people of India feel proud that I'm the first Prime Minister of India, for whom, you (Chinese President) have come out of the capital twice to receive me.Prime Minister Narendra Modi in WuhanAccording to News18, the Prime Minister asserted that China and India had set the pace for world economy for the last 1,600 years. He said that the two countries together had the responsibility to work for 40 percent of the world population, terming it a big ‘opportunity'.
We (India-China) have the responsibility to work for 40 percent of the world population, this means trying to successfully get the world rid of many problems. To work together towards this is a big opportunity for us.Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he hoped to see such informal summits become a tradition between India and China. He also invited the Chinese delegation to India for a similar summit in 2019.
Rajnath Singh Hails PM Modi's Wuhan Visit
Home Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the Prime Minister's visit to Wuhan, stating that India aimed to be friendly with every neighbouring country, ANI reports.
It is not just China, we want to be friendly with every neighbouring country. Our PM has been doing everything he can so that our relationship with neighbours become better.Rajnath Singh, Union Home MinisterWill Modi Show Courage, Conviction to Do Plain-Speaking With China on Doklam Issue, Asks Cong
The Congress, on 27 April, asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi whether he will remember his innate duty of protecting India's strategic interests by raising the Doklam issue with China that impacts national security, PTI reported.
Congress communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala took a dig at the Prime Minister, saying Modi may not be able to show "red eyes" as he "loftily promised", but will he show the courage and conviction to do plain-speaking on Doklam and defend India's interests.
PTI quoted Surjewala as saying that India is facing an increasingly aggressive China which is trying intrude into the 'chicken neck' – Siliguri corridor – by building a new road through south of Doklam, and wondered why is the Modi government "clueless and incapable" to send a strong message to China.
"Modi ji may not be able to show 'red eyes' as he loftily promised, but will he show the courage and conviction to do plain-speaking on Doklam and defend India's interests?," the Congress leader said.
He said does the latest satellite imagery from Google maps on 25 April 2018 not show creation of additional structures by China a few meters away from Indian Army posts? "Has the prime minister and the defence ministry taken note of it? Will PM Modi take up the issue in the 'summit' with Chinese President today in Wuhan, China?," he asked.
Watch: PM Modi, Xi Jinping Enjoy Rendition of Bollywood Song
#WATCH: Prime Minister Narendra Modi & Chinese President XI Jinping enjoy an instrumental rendition of 1982 Bollywood song 'Tu, tu hai wahi dil ne jise apna kaha,' at an event in China's Wuhan. (27.04.2018) pic.twitter.com/KjGRcHbl38
What's On the Agenda For Day 2 of Modi-Xi Informal Meet?
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take an hour-long boat ride with his host Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday, 28 April, the final day of an ice-breaking trip both are hoping will lead to better ties after a year of strains.
Billed by both sides as an informal meeting rather than a summit, with none of the pomp and ceremony of a state visit, like 21-gun salutes, the two men held talks on Friday that lasted far longer than expected, reported Reuters.
Modi will take a walk around a guesthouse with Xi on Saturday, then an hour-long boat trip on a lake followed by lunch, before the meeting ends, according to the Indian Foreign Ministry.
Watch: Modi-Xi Take an Hour Long Boat Ride
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping began their last round of one-on-one talks with a walk around the famous East Lake in Wuhan and an hour-long boat ride on Saturday, 28 April.
The Foreign Secretary Vijay Keshav Gokhale is expected to address the media on the government's takeaways after the summit later on Saturday.
In Photos: Modi, Xi Take A Walk and a Boat Ride Along East Lake
PM Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi took a walk together along East Lake, and took an hour-long boat ride in Wuhan on the morning of Saturday, 28 April.
The two leaders also had tea together after their long walk.
#WATCH China: Prime Minister Narendra Modi & Chinese President Xi Jinping have tea after a walk along East Lake in Wuhan. pic.twitter.com/5BuROg31Cg
Leaders Agreed Peace on Indo-China Border Important: MEA After Modi-Xi Meet
PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to strengthen strategic communication between the two sides. Watch the Foreign Secretary's media briefing.
Addressing a press conference on the second-day of informal meet between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said that the focus of the meeting was on improving the long-term strategic partnership between the two countries.
He said both leaders underlined the importance of maintaining peace along the Indo-China border, adding that the leaders agreed to improve communication between the two foreign ministries and militaries. The Foreign Minister added that the leaders did not go into minute details, but agreed that it was important that both countries showed “maturity” in resolving issues.
The two leaders (Modi & Xi) underscored that it is important to maintain peace along India-China border region and decided that they will issue strategic guidance to their respective militaries to strengthen communication, and to build trust.Vijay Gokhle, Foreign SecretaryGokhale added that no formal agreement was signed between the two countries during the visit.
He said that the two countries have identified 20 different mechanisms, including trade and cultural exchange, to improve ties between India and China. Among other things, the leaders reportedly discussed global issues like terrorism and climate change.Gokhale indicated that such an informal meeting between Modi and Xi could happen again in the future, adding that there was a “level of comfort” between them which could smoothen the path to improving ties.
PM Modi Leaves for India
China's Ambassador to India Luo Zhaohui tweeted that PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping spent nine hours together and discussed a wide range of topics. The prime minister left for India after the conclusion of two-day informal summit.
Seeing off PM Modi at airport. Farewell! 7 events in 2 days, President #XiJinping and PM Modi spent 9 hours together, covering a wide range of topics in in-depth exchanges with much consensus. Thumbs up to the two leaders! Thumbs up to #China-#India Relations!@narendramodi@PMO pic.twitter.com/pGN4tOhQ8r
Informal Summit A Milestone in India-China Relations: Chinese Govt
Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou said on Saturday the just-concluded informal summit between the leaders of China and India was a milestone in relations.
China and India have concrete differences but the summit was not aimed at addressing these specific issues, Kong told reporters in the central Chinese city of Wuhan where the meeting took place.
Chinese President Xi Jinping said the problems between China and India are of a limited, temporary nature, Kong said.
PM Modi Arrives in India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to India after the two-day informal summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in China's Wuhan. PM Modi was received by Union Minister Sushma Swaraj on his arrival.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping have decided to issue strategic guidance to their respective militaries to strengthen communications and to build trust and understanding, said foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale on Saturday, 28 April.
Briefing reporters at the end of an unprecedented two-day informal summit between the two leaders in China, he said that the two leaders underscored the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity in all areas of the India-China border region.
- PM Modi left for India after the two-day summit on Saturday
- He issued an invite to the Chinese delegation to come to India for a similar summit in 2019
- At Hubei, PM Modi pushed for better Indo-China ties, saying that both countries had the responsibility to work for 40% of the world's population
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