Kashmir Not Raised, Not Discussed: Foreign Secy on Modi-Xi Meet
Catch all live updates from PM Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping’s informal summit in Chennai here.
Foreign Secretary Vijay K Gokhale addressed the media after Chinese president Xi Jinping’s two-day informal summit in India with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said the two leaders discussed trade, investment and services at an elevated level, but the Kashmir issue was not discussed by them.
President Jinping and PM Modi held delegation-level talks on the second day in Tamil Nadu’s coastal town of Mamallapuram.
The two leaders on Friday went on a guided tour of monuments at the UNESCO World Heritage site, watched cultural performances and had a traditional Tamil dinner hosted by PM Modi.
- PM Modi began Day 2 with beach plogging at Kovalam
- Delegation-level talks were held today in Mamallapuram
- The first Modi-Xi informal summit was held in China’s Wuhan amid the Doklam standoff
- This summit is being held amid tensions between the two countries over Kashmir
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The Wuhan Informal Summit in 2018
The first informal summit between the two neighbours was held last year in the Chinese city of Wuhan. It enabled the two countries to normalise the relations on all fronts after the 73-day standoff between the two militaries at Doklam in 2017.
The standoff ended with both sides withdrawing from the site after the Chinese military called off its road building plans.
Xi Jinping to Visit India for Informal Summit, Confirms Chinese Govt
Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit India from 11 to 12 October to take part in the second informal summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two leaders are expected to hold comprehensive talks on a host of issues concerning the bilateral relations and exchange views on regional and international issues.
Xi will attend the second informal meeting with Modi at Mamallapuram near Chennai from October 11 to 12 and pay a state visit to Nepal on 13 October, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying announced on Wednesday.
Trade, political relations, ways to deal with terror are expected to be discussed in Modi-Xi summit, sources told PTI, adding that the two countries are likely to hold an anti-terror exercise in December 2019.
Kashmir India's Internal Matter, Beijing Well Aware Of That: MEA Reiterates
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will hold talks in Tamil Nadu's Mamallapuram amidst lingering unease in ties over Kashmir with India asserting that it is an internal matter.
Hours after India and China announced Xi's visit to India, the Chinese state media quoted the Chinese President as telling Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan during their meeting in Beijing that China has been "paying close attention" to the situation in Kashmir and the "facts are clear."
According to the Xinhua news agency, the Chinese President also hoped that the "relevant parties" can solve the issue through peaceful dialogue.
Reacting sharply to reports of Xi and Khan discussing Kashmir, External Affairs Ministry said Beijing is "well aware" of New Delhi's position and it is not for other countries to comment on its internal affairs.
Modi-Xi to Hold Meeting at Shore Temple in Mamallapuram
Government sources in New Delhi said Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to arrive in Chennai early afternoon on Friday, 11 October. PM Narendra Modi will take him to the famous world heritage site of Shore temple complex in Mamallapuram and both of them will have a meeting at the site.
The effort would be to chart broader pathways for development as also deepen ties in key areas, including counter-terrorism, sources said, adding the China-India counter-terror exercise is expected to be held later this year.
Both leaders will also witness a cultural programme following which Modi will host a dinner for the Chinese leader.
On Saturday, both leaders will have a one-on-one meeting followed by delegation-level talks. The Chinese president is expected to leave for Nepal from Chennai around 2 pm on Saturday.
Xi will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Wang Yi and a polit bureau member of the Chinese Communist Party.
Schedule for Modi-Xi Summit
Friday, 11 October
- 2:10 pm: Arrival at Chennai International Airport
- 5 pm: Guided tour of 3 monuments in Mamallapuram
- 6 pm: Cultural performance at Shore temple
- 6:45 pm: PM Modi to host dinner
Saturday, 12 October
- 10 am: Tete-e-Tete at Taj Fisherman’s Cove Resort & Spa
- 10:50 am: Delegation level talks
- 11:45 am: PM Modi to host lunch
- 12:45 pm: Xi to depart for Chennai International Airport
Xi Leaves for India for 2nd Informal Summit With PM Modi
Chinese President Xi Jinping left for India today morning for the second informal meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the southern state of Tamil Nadu.
He will arrive at Tamil Nadu capital Chennai late afternoon, reported PTI.
After India Visit, Xi to Visit Nepal on His BRI Mission
After Xi Jinping's India visit is over, he will embark on a visit to Nepal to consolidate Beijing's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) which New Delhi is critical of.
BRI will be the main focus of his two-day Nepal visit, reported The Times of India.
Hearty Welcome: The Tamilian Way
A long line of chenda melam (traditional orchestra of Kerala) performers are waiting outside the Chennai International Airport to welcome the President of China, Xi Jinping. Traditional banana trees have been planted near the Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram, where the global leaders are expected to visit later in the day. Over 200 staff members of the Department of Horticulture have decorated a huge gate near the monument ‘Pancha Rathas,’ using almost 18 organic vegetables and fruits.
Security Tightened from Chennai to Mamallapuram
Security has been tightened at the Chennai airport hours before Xi's arrival. Police officials are keeping a close watch on those who could potentially cause disruption. Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard have deployed warships, at some distance from the shore in Mamallapuram, to provide security from any seaborne threat.
Show '56 Inch' Chest, Tell Xi to Vacate PoK Land: Sibal to PM Modi
Senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal tweeted asking Narendra Modi to tell Chinese President Xi Jinping to ‘vacate 5,000 km of land in PoK’ and also to make it clear that there will be no Huawei in India for 5G.
The Congress on Thursday slammed the Modi government for failing to stop China from targeting India's internal issues. The party questioned why Modi is not saying he is watching the muzzling of pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong when Xi is saying he is watching Kashmir.
PM Modi Reaches Chennai
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has landed in Chennai. He will soon take a chopper and leave to the temple town Mamallapuram. He was received by Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami, Governor Banwarilal Purohit and other ministers. The state leaders presented him with a rose each and shawls to welcome him.
Modi also tweeted in Chinese that he is looking forward to strengthening ties between the two countries.
The Chinese President is expected to land at 2 pm.
PM Modi Reaches Kovalam
PM Narendra Modi has reached Taj Fisherman's Cove Resort in Kovalam. He had taken a chopper from Chennai airport to Thiruvidanthai village near Kovalam town, where he was received by Tamil Nadu Minister K Pandiarajan.
Tibetan Protestors Arrested Outside ITC hotel
Five Tibetan nationals were detained by the police on Friday, 11 October, for attempting to stage a protest outside the ITC Grand Chola hotel in Chennai, a high-ranking police source confirmed to The Quint, adding that the five were found hiding in the bushes when they were arrested.
One of the men was holding a Tibetan flag, and trying to stage a sudden protest by raising slogans. He was immediately whisked away. The hotel and the temple town of Mamallapuram have turned into fortresses to ensure utmost security.
Traffic Diverted, Security Tightened
The red carpet has been laid out as officials wait at Chennai Airport to receive Chinese President Xi Jinping. He is expected to head to ITC Grand Chola Hotel in the city and leave to Mamallapuram at around 4pm. The Chinese delegation has already reached landed.
Traffic has been diverted from Saidapet till the airport. Heavy restrictions on movement of vehicles have been imposed along the East Coast Road that links Chennai to Mamallapuram.
A long line of Chinese people are lined up outside the hotel with flags and banners to welcome their president.
Chinese President Xi Jinping Lands
Chenda melam (traditional Kerala orchestra), bharatanatyam dancers and nadaswarams trumpet welcoming the Chinese President Xi Jinping to Chennai. Over 500 performers, including a number of students, put up a rich show inside the airport.
Xi Jinping to Get a Taste of South India
Sources have said that the two leaders engage in conversations for over six hours. India and China are expected to issue separate statements on Saturday after the talks.
Jinping will be heading to Mamallapuram at around 4 pm via the East Coast Road. Modi and Jinping will then go on a guided tour of Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas and Arjuna’s Penance, followed by cultural performances at the temple.
The Prime Minister will then host a dinner party at 6:45 pm. From Chettinadu to Karaikudi, with a menu to reflect the diversity of Tamil culinary traditions. Some of the items include thakkali rasam, arachavitta sambar, kadalai kuruma and kavanarasi halwa.
A Multi-Lingual Welcome
PM Modi tweeted in Chinese, Tamil and English, welcoming the Chinese president to Chennai. Jinping is set to head to Mamallapuram to kickstart the informal summit.
Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam too tweeted, “I am delighted to welcome the Honorable Chinese President Xi Jinping who has come to Chennai today for a historic event that will enhance India-China relationship.”
Jinping Leaves For Mamallapuram
Traditional musicians, decorations and performers flanked the streets as Chinese President Xi Jinping left for Mamallapuram. The entire stretch from the airport along the East Coast Road has been closed for the public.
Hundreds of locals were seen greeting the president holding placards and Chinese and Indian flags along the way.
#GoBackModi Trends on Twitter
As Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi meet at Mamallapuram, #GoBackModi and #TNwelcomesXiJinping have been trending on Twitter. Every time Modi has visited Tamil Nadu in the past, the #GoBackModi trend has popped up.
Xi Jinping and Modi Meet
Welcoming the Chinese president in Mamallapuram, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen in the traditional Tamil attire of a veshti and angavasthram.
The Heritage Walk Begins
In an informal setting, Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping kickstarted the summit with a guided tour of monuments in Mamallapuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This group of sanctuaries, founded by the Pallava kings, was carved out of rocks along the Coromandel coast in the 7th and 8th centuries.
The two global leaders took a walk along Arjuna's Penance, Krishna’s Butterball and Pancha Rathas.
Indian and Chinese Delegations Meet in Mamallapuram
Modi and Xi Jinping introduced their respective delegations to each other. India's Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval also met Jinping.
The two leaders will now enjoy a performance by the Kalakshetra Dance students.
PM Modi, Xi Jinping Watch Cultural Performances in Mamallapuram
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping are watching cultural performances at the Shore Temple in Mamallapuram.
Traditional Tamil Thaali Awaits
PM Modi will now host a special dinner in honour of the Chinese president. The menu includes a variety of dishes from traditional Tamil cuisine, such as thakkali rasam, arachavitta sambar, kadalai kuruma and kavanarasi halwa.
All regional cuisines, from Chettinad to Karaikudi, will be presented.
Modi's Gifts to Xi from Tamil Land
Flaunting the Tamil culture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has gifted the Chinese president Nachiarkoil, i.e. a branched annam lamp, and a Thanjavur painting of dancing Saraswathi.
Show '56 Inch' Chest, Raise Issues Like Doklam, Huawei With Xi: Cong
The Congress on Friday, 11 October, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi should show his “56 inch chest” and raise issues like Huawei, land occupied in PoK and Doklam with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Sibal's remarks came hours before Modi and Jinping's informal summit in Mamallapuram near Chennai.
Congress spokesperson Gaurav Vallabh said Modi should tell Jinping that the issue of Kashmir is bilateral and will be sorted out between India and Pakistan.
"But, he should ask the Chinese president when China is leaving Doklam. Why are you creating helipads near Indian border. You should settle the Doklam issue with China," he said.
'One-to-One Discussion': Gokhale on Modi-Xi Summit
Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale while addressing the media on Modi-Xi Summit said, “It was a nearly a five-hour-long discussion. Most of this was one-to-one discussion.”
He further said, “The walk around that PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping did around the three sites at Mamallapuram, reflect the personal rapport that the two leaders have built over the two informal summits.”
Issues Related to Trade and Terrorism Discussed in Modi-Xi Summit
Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale while addressing the media on Modi-Xi Summit said that the discussion that took place between the two leaders over dinner, went on for 2.5 hours. The discussion broadly focussed on their respective national regions and their governance priorities.
They spoke about trade related issues, economic issues and issue of trade deficit. They also discussed about the challenges that both the countries face in context to terrorism, added Gokhale.
“Some of the other topics included the challenges that both countries face on account of terrorism, that radicalisation is matter of concern for both. And both would work together to see that radicalisation and terrorism did not affect fabric of our societies,” he said.
He further informed that discussion that will take place on Saturday, 12 October, will broadly focus on regional and international issues.
Day Two of Summit
As the two global leaders are all set to meet on the second day of the summit, local folk dancers and students hold placards to welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping. They will be meeting for a tete-e-tete at Taj Fisherman’s Cove Resort & Spa in Kovalam. Delegation level talks will then continue.
Prime Minister Goes Plogging
Prime Minister Modi tweeted pictures of taking a ‘scenic walk’ along the Kovalam beach this morning. He posted a video where he is seen plogging (picking up garbage while taking a walk/run), urging people to keep public places clean and tidy.
Chinese President Off to Kovalam
Chinese President Xi Jinping's convoy has left from ITC Grand Chola Hotel for Kovalam. The two leaders will be holding delegation level talks. The Chinese President will be leaving the country by noon.
Delegation-Level Talks To Begin
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping for the second day of talks on Saturday morning. They have started off with a 50-minute tete-e-tete at Taj Fisherman’s Cove at Kovalam, just a couple of kilometres before Mamallapuram. Soon, delegation level talks will commence.
Delegation-Level Talks Begin Between India and China
The Chinese President said he was glad they could engage candidly and discuss bilateral relations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “There have been deep cultural and trade relations between China and the state of Tamil Nadu. For most part of the last 2000 years, India and China have been economic powers.”
Jinping said he was overwhelmed by India’s hospitality and said it would be a memorable experience. He said that PM Modi’s idea of an informal summit was a very good one.
“Indeed the Wuhan summit ushered China-India relations into a new stage of healthy and steady developments. For the past year also, the informal summit continues to produce visible progress. We have strategic communication, more effective and practical cooperation, more cultural exchange, more cooperation,” he said.
National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale are present at the talks.
Souvenirs to China from Tamil Nadu
The ‘Chennai connect’, like the 'Wuhan spirit', may mark a new chapter in India-China relations. PM Modi and Chinese President Xi visited an exhibition of artefacts and handloom at Taj Fisherman's Cove hotel in Kovalam. Modi presented Jinping a traditional Kancheepuram silk with an embossed motif of the Chinese President.
Summit Comes to an End
Chinese President Xi Jinping departed from Taj Fisherman's Cove hotel in Kovalam for Chennai. He will be leaving the country soon.
MEA Foreign Secretary on Modi - Xi Summit
Foreign Secretary Vijay K Gokhale addressed media and said the two leaders discussed trade, investment and services at an elevated level. The two leaders had agreed to identify sectors where they can welcome manufacturing and investment opportunities and expand trade.
“The two leaders today had a conversation for almost 90 minutes, followed by delegation level talks and then lunch was hosted by Prime Minister Modi. A total of six hours of one to one meeting was held between the two leaders during this summit,” he said.
He said that President Xi Jinping invited Prime Minister Modi to China for the next summit.
President Xi raised the issue of engaging more on the defence side, said Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale. Xi has also extended invitation to Defence Ministry to visit China.
Chinese President Leaves India
Chinese President Xi Jinping departed for Nepal after the two-day visit to India for the second informal summit with PM Narendra Modi in Mahabalipuram.