Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping at Mamallapuram near Chennai on October 11. While this is the second informal summit between Modi and Xi, they have met 17 times in bilateral and multilateral settings in the past five years. His visit comes soon after the recent episode of turbulence in bilateral ties over India's decision to withdraw Jammu and Kashmir's special status and reorganise the state into two union territories.
Modi and Xi had covered a wide range of topics from trade to terror in their one-on-one discussions but there was no mention of Kashmir. “The issue was not raised and not discussed. Our position is anyways very clear that this is an internal matter of India,” foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said briefing journalists after the summit. He added that the relationship between the two countries was “not predicated on a single issue. It ranged from historical problems to cooperation at the international and regional spheres.”
In his conversation, Xi gave Modi an unvarnished version of the Pakistan PM Imran Khan’s visit, relaying Imran’s complaint that India had refused to talk to him. Modi chose not to respond, sources said. However, Xi’s decision to brief Modi about Imran’s visit could be part of a confidence-building exercise with India.
Investment, trade feature in talks
The “cordial” conversations between Modi and Xi lasted for over five hours focused mainly on exchanging notes on “national visions and governance priorities”. Modi told Xi that his renewed mandate was for economic development and the Chinese leader responded by saying that he was ready to work closely with the Indian leader. The leaders had a short conversation on the challenge of radicalisation and terrorism, which they dubbed as a “common” challenge.
Modi also turned tour guide for Xi, explaining the significance of the historical monuments for the Chinese leader. Modi explained to Xi that the Ganesh Ratha remained an active place of worship even today, over 1300 years after it was built. There was also a reference to the ancient Pallava prince Bodhidharma who travelled to China and Japan to spread Zen Buddhism and the art of Kung Fu. The two leaders also enjoyed a thrilling cultural performance at Shore Temple's complex in the evening, showcasing the Indian classical dance forms of Kathakali and Bharatnatyam to fast-paced Carnatic music.
Signalling an intent to refashion ties for greater bilateral cooperation, Modi and Xi met at the Tanjo Hall in Taj Fisherman's Cove for the second round of their informal talks. After around an hour-long talks, the two leaders took a stroll along the beach and were seen engaged in discussion. Sources said the talks between the two leaders went off well. The tete-e-tete was followed by delegation level discussions.
India and China agreed to set up a high-level economic and trade dialogue mechanism to go into trade, investment and services. The mechanism would include Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and China’s Vice-Premier Hu Chunhua. The two leaders also agreed that the possibility of forming a “manufacturing partnership” should be explored through the proposed mechanism. Modi suggested that both sides identify specific industries or sectors where investment could come in and manufacturing would help create employment, jobs and enhance the market for both sides. The “informal summit” between Modi and Xi concluded in Kovalam, about 30 km from Chennai.
The development assumed importance in the light of India expressing concerns repeatedly over its trade deficit of about $50 billion with China in the bilateral trade. Foreign Secretary Gokhale said that there had been “greater recognition” by China of economic and trade level matters [that concerned India]. The Chinese President, during the deliberations, had agreed to have the issue of trade deficit addressed, which was a “visible progress”, he said. Gokhale added that Xi was keen on strengthening the collaboration between the two countries in defence. An invitation had been extended to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to visit China.
PM Modi goes plogging
Ahead of his talks with Xi, Modi went plogging on a beach in Mamallapuram, in a 30-minute cleanliness drive. In a video tweeted by Modi, he is seen picking up litter at a beach near Taj Fisherman's Cove Resort and Spa where he is staying. "Plogging at a beach in Mamallapuram this morning. It lasted for over 30 minutes. Also handed over my 'collection' to Jeyaraj, who is a part of the hotel staff," he tweeted.
"Let us ensure our public places are clean and tidy! Let us also ensure we remain fit and healthy," Modi further wrote. In another tweet, Modi shared a few pictures where he is seen walking and exercising along the coast. "Refreshing walk and exercises in Mamallapuram, along the scenic coast," he wrote.
Earlier, a red carpet welcome was accorded to Xi who was received by Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit, Chief Minister K Palaniswami, Deputy Chief Minsiter O Panneerselvam and Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker P Dhanapal. The Chinese President was treated by Tamil cultural performances with about 500 folk dancers and Bharatanatyam artistes rendered performances, including "tappattam," and "poi kal kuthirai" while a group of colourfully dressed women presented a Bharatanatyam programme to the accompaniment of 'thavil' and 'nadaswaram' (traditional percussion and wind instruments respectively) music. Scores of children greeted him by waving Indian and Chinese flags on his arrival.
Attired in a striking Tamil traditional 'karai veshti' (dhoti with a border in green), angavastram (a shawl), and a half sleeve white shirt, Modi walked towards his guest Xi to shake hands and exchange pleasantries. A one-on-one dinner between Modi and Xi in the magnificent Shore Temple of Mamallapuram under a sea-facing tent overshot deadlines, going on for over two-and-a-half hours of "open and cordial" discussion on issues from trade to terrorism and respective “national visions”. A variety of Indian culinary delights, from Thakkali Rasam and Arachavitta Sambar to Kadalai Kuruma and Kavanarasi Halwa, the course of meal served to the leaders reflected the diversity of south Indian culinary traditions.
