Narendra Modi in China updates: PM, Xi Jinping commit to cooperate further in area of counter-terrorism

Private menu card for Modi-Jinping lunch at Wuhan

Sources told ANI that the menu card designed for the private lunch hosted for Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Wuhan has colours of the Indian flag, along with the picture of national bird peacock. 

The menu card designed for the private lunch hosted for PM Modi in Wuhan has colors of Indian flag, along with the picture of national bird peacock. President Xi Jinping paid personal attention to small details: Sources pic.twitter.com/RgaasV3ctD

— ANI (@ANI) April 28, 2018

‘Reason to believe Wuhan meeting will help manage and control disputes’

The overseas edition of the ruling Communist Party’s official People’s Daily said in a front page commentary on Saturday “two great countries ought to have great cooperation”, and showed a large picture of the two leaders shaking hands.

“There is reason to believe that this Wuhan meeting will increase mutual trust, manage and control disputes, deepen cooperation and lead to a new phase in China-India relations,” it said. – Reuters

Both countries should expand communication, says Xi Jinping

“Both China and India have a glorious history and culture, and the cultures of both countries have lots of connections and the two countries should expand communication and be dedicated to the revitalisation of Oriental civilisation,” President Xi Jinping was quoted as saying by People’s Daily, the official newspaper of the Chinese Communist Party, as per a  NDTV report.

Trade, technology, films, terrorism discussed in Modi-Jinping talks

“Co-operation on trade and technology and films, focus on people-to-people contact, discussed trade, tourism and climate change. Prime Minister Modi and President Xi also recognised the common threat posed by terrorism both reiterated their strong condemnation of a resolute opposition to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Both committed to cooperate further in counter-terrorism”, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said.

Chinese media splashes Wuhan summit on its front pages

India, China to soon iron out details of joint economic project in Afghanistan

In a move that could upset Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese president Xi Jinping have agreed to undertake a joint India-China economic project in Afghanistan at their first informal summit in Wuhan, official sources said. As per the understanding, officials of both sides will identify the project in following up discussions and work out modalities.

Visuals from Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping’s boat ride in Wuhan

Sailing in the same boat for peace, prosperity and development! PM @narendramodi and Chinese President Xi on a boat ride in the East Lake in Wuhan. pic.twitter.com/sg9Lyo9F94

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) April 28, 2018

Discussed ways to give impetus to economic ties, people-to-people relations, says Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared on Twitter the details of his Saturday talks with Chinese president Xi Jinping.“The talks with Jinping focussed on diverse areas of India-China cooperation. We discussed ways to give impetus to our economic ties as well as people-to-people relations. Other areas we spoke about include agriculture, technology, energy and tourism,” he said in a tweet.

The talks with President Xi Jinping focussed on diverse areas of India-China cooperation. We discussed ways to give impetus to our economic ties as well as people-to-people relations. Other areas we spoke about include agriculture, technology, energy and tourism. pic.twitter.com/vgvUSjT1XX

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 28, 2018

Discussed multiple aspects of bilateral ties between India-China, says Narendra Modi

​

Sharing visuals from his walk by the East Lake with Chinese president Xi Jinping, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the two discussed multiple aspects of bilateral ties between India and China after they resumed their talks on Saturday.

President Xi Jinping and I continued our deliberations this morning. Here are some pictures from the walk along Wuhan’s East Lake. We discussed multiple aspects of bilateral ties between our nations. pic.twitter.com/taxMLKdMq0

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 28, 2018

Narendra Modi, Xi Jinping discuss cultural promotion

“Proposals forwarded by the prime minister included moving ahead to find ways to collaborate in terms of entertainment including films. President Xi said he has seen a number of Indian and it would be a good idea to expand this. More Indian films should come to China and vice-versa,” Gokhale said.

Narendra Modi, Xi Jinping agree to strengthen strategic commmunication

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping agreed to strengthen greater strategic communication between the two sides,” said Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale.

WATCH: Modi, Xi Jinping agree to undertake joint economic project in Afghanistan

#EXCLUSIVE -- PM Narendra Modi and China President Xi Jinping agree on a joint economic project in Afghanistan: Sources @SiddiquiMaha with more on this #ModiXiSummit pic.twitter.com/ABnXJyO41G

— News18 (@CNNnews18) April 28, 2018

Modi, Xi to issue strategic guidance to their militaries

“The two leaders will issue strategic guidance to their militaries to strengthen communications and to build trust and understanding,” said Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale.

India, China to participate in joint economic project in Afghanistan

ANI and CNN-News18 quoted sources as saying that India and China are likely to venture into a joint economic project in Afghanistan.

Both leaders discuss bilateral relations, boundary issue, trade, tourism

During a press briefing, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said the two leaders discussed overarching issues and bilateral relations. “The two leaders agreed that India and China are major powers and will pursue peaceful, balanced relations which will be important among current global uncertainty,” he said. 

Speaking on trade, Gokhale said, “The leaders agreed trade should be balanced and sustainable. The prime minister spoke of agricultural exports to China.”

‘Modi, Xi recognise common threat of terrorism’

Addresing a press briefing in Wuhan on Saturday, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said that Prime Narendra Modi and Chinese president Xi Jinping expressed their strong opposition to terrorism. “The prime minister and President Xi also recognised the common threat posed by terrorism. Both reiterated their strong condemnation of a resolute opposition to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Both committed to cooperate further in counter-terrorism,” he said. 

PM and President Xi also recognised the common threat posed by terrorism both reiterated their strong condemnation of a resolute opposition to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Both committed to cooperate further in counter-terrorism: Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale pic.twitter.com/zWjpfkhnYN

— ANI (@ANI) April 28, 2018

‘Narendra Modi, Xi Jinping held four one-to-one meetings’

“There were six events, of which four of them were one-to-one meeting, with a restricted meeting on Friday. No agreeements were signed,” said Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale.

India, China agree informal summit can lead to more candid communication

Both India and China agreed that informal Wuhan summit will lead to a more candid and free communication between the two nations. “We need to strengthen strategic communication and mutual understanding. We commit to create an open, multipolar and pluralistic society,” said Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale.

Modi, Xi endorse work of special representatives to resolve boundary issue

On the issue of India-China boundary question, the two leaders, Narendra Modi & Xi Jinping, endorsed work of the special representative to find a fair and mutual settlement, said Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale.

Modi, Jinping concur it is important to maintain peace alongside borders

On the Doka La and boundary issue between India and China, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping agreed that they were happy with the approach taken by their representatives. “They find it to be a fair and reasonable approach. They agreed it is important to maintain peace alongside borders and decided to issue strategic guidelines to their military to this effect,” Gokahale said at a media briefing.

Modi to visit China again in June

The first informal summit in Wuhan between Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping is set to conclude on Saturday with a one-on-one lunch with the Chinese president. This marks the fourth visit of Modi to China after he came to power in 2014. He is due to visit the country again to take part in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit to be held at Qingdao city on 9-10 June.

WATCH: Narendra Modi, Xi Jinping during boat ride on East Lake

China: Prime Minister Narendra Modi & Chinese President Xi Jinping inside a house boat in Wuhan’s East Lake. pic.twitter.com/2VrpcPXz30

— ANI (@ANI) April 28, 2018

Does hosting informal summit in Wuhan hold any political significance?

Wuhan, located on the banks of Central China’s Hubei province, is a commercial centre divided by the Yangtze and Han rivers. It is the most populous city in central China.

Besides containing many lakes and parks, including expansive, picturesque East Lake, the city also has the famous villa of China’s ruling Communist Party founder Mao Zedong, where he hosted many foreign leaders.

However, the Chinese foreign ministry earlier dismissed claims there was any political significance in choosing it as a location for the meeting. While there are a wide range of cities “we can choose from, we don’t have any particular consideration for choosing Wuhan” as the venue for the meeting, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lu Kang had earlier said. – PTI

RECAP: Will be happy to host summit next year, says Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday told President Xi jinping that he will be happy to host the next informal summit in India next year.

WATCH: Modi, Jinping have tea near East Lake

Chinese president Xi Jinping hosted a tea ceremony for Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday near the East Lake, before their boat ride on the lake. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping enjoy ‘chai pe charcha’ on day 2 of their informal Wuhan summit. #ModiXiSummit @Zakka_Jacob with more. pic.twitter.com/Bg0wV04rg1

— News18 (@CNNnews18) April 28, 2018

Visuals from Modi, Jinping’s walk around East Lake in Wuhan

The discussions continue...PM @narendramodi and President Xi Jinping during a walk along the East Lake in Wuhan. pic.twitter.com/8HA8rfoG7T

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 28, 2018

Modi to return to India after lunch with Xi Jinping

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to have a one-on-one lunch with Chinese president Xi Jinping, after which he will return to India.

WATCH: Narendra Modi treated to rendition of Hindi song ‘Tu Tu Hai Wohi’

During a guided tour of the Hubei Provincial Museum on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was treated to a rendition of the 1982 song ‘Tu Tu Hai Wohi’ from the movie Yeh Vaada Raha.

Prime Minister #NarendraModi and Chinese President #XiJinping were seen enjoying an instrumental rendition of 1982 #Bollywood song at an event in #China 's central #Wuhan city. #WuhanSummit

Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/QCJ7Hn8jBZ pic.twitter.com/N7LV1uBeid

— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) April 28, 2018

Vijay Gokhale to brief media at 10 am

According to News18, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale will brief the media at 10 am about Modi’s visit to Wuhan to “solidify” bilateral relations between India and China. The two leaders are set to conclude the two-day informal Wuhan summit today, seen as  an effort to rejuvenate ties that were marred by the 72-day long Doka La standoff last year.

WATCH: Modi, Jinping go on a boat ride 

After taking a walk near the East Lake, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping are taking a boat ride. It is expected to be an hour-long ride aboard the double-decker boat. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi takes a boat ride at the East Lake in Wuhan with Chinese President Xi Jinping
Follow the blog for #LIVE updates #ModiXiSummit https://t.co/rwIsHlDgNE pic.twitter.com/sPMeMw4GnQ

— News18 (@CNNnews18) April 28, 2018

Narendra Modi begins Day 2 of the informal summit in China

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has begun Day 2 of his informal Wuhan summit with Chinese president Xi Jinping with a walk around the famous East Lake.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi takes a walk around the East Lake in Wuhan with Chinese President Xi Jinping #ModiXiSummit. pic.twitter.com/BqTu5rcCHF

— News18 (@CNNnews18) April 28, 2018

Updates for 28 April, 2018 begin here

Watch: Narendra Modi, Xi Jinping begin 2nd day ‘heart-to-heart’ summit in Wuhan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi takes a walk around the East Lake in Wuhan with Chinese President Xi Jinping #ModiXiSummit. pic.twitter.com/BqTu5rcCHF

— News18 (@CNNnews18) April 28, 2018

Updates begin for 28 April, Saturday

People of India are proud that Chinese President Xi has gone out of his way to receive him twice, tweets MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar 

Warm and firm handshake! PM @narendramodi met with President Xi of China at the East Lake Guest House in Wuhan. PM said that people of India are proud that Chinese President Xi has gone out of his way to receive him twice out of the capital city of Beijing. pic.twitter.com/y2GlujcbLG

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) April 27, 2018

Willing to use consensus of leaders to increase mutual trust between nations: PLA

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping held an informal summit in Wuhan, China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) struck a positive note about China-India ties, reports Economic Times . 

“Although the relations between the two militaries still face some difficulties and obstacles, we are willing to use the important consensus of the leaders of the two countries as guidelines to deepen our understanding, increase mutual trust, make proper differences, and continuously accumulate the positive energy of the healthy and stable development of the relations between the two militaries,” PLA’s Senior Colonel Wu Qian said to the media. 

“It is the common wish of both peoples to stabilize the relations between the Chinese and Indian armed forces and maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas,”  Wu added.

Modi stresses on both nations’ past glory but that is a tricky terrain 

In calling for joint global leadership, prime minister Modi stressed on the fact that both nations represent 40 percent of the global population. Improving their lot would automatically have a positive global effect. “We 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,” he said, according to reports. 

Modi also pointed out that for 1,600 years, India and China had led global economy. He also stressed on other areas of convergence, such as the dovetailing of ‘New India’ and ‘New Era with Chinese characteristics". According to him, if both countries work towards this joint vision, then it would benefit the entire world and cement Sino-Indian global leadership status.

Using the past as a template to remodel the future is a recurrent theme for both Modi and Xi. Both leaders believe that it is incumbent upon them to restore their civilisational status as power centres. While this may present a tangible goal, such revisionism may bring its own set of problems. India would know better than most how such revisionism results in assertive behaviour and how it poses problems for the neighbours.

Not just China, we want to be friendly with every neighbouring country, says Rajnath Singh 

“It is not just China, we want to be friendly with every neighbouring country. Our prime minister has been doing everything he can so that our relationship with neighbours becomes better,” Home Minister Rajnath Singh said to ANI

America’s protectionist policy is not a good news for India and China, nations need to prioritize development, says analyst

The rendezvous between Modi and Xi at the heart of China was a sign enough that the two countries were willing for a new start in their tense relationship. 

“It is an important meeting between both the leaders. Development is the most important topic for the leaders of these two countries,” Long Xingchun, Director of the Centre for Indian Studies at China West Normal University, told IANS.

“India can achieve its goal and become a global power in the world with the help of China. China is rich and stronger than India but we also have so many domestic problems to deal with. “The two countries need to prioritize development. Now, America’s protectionist policy is not a good news for India and China,” Long said. —IANS

Modi lays stress on joint global leadership based on new ‘Panchsheel’ 

In the opening statements of the delegation-level talks, Modi laid clear emphasis on the global leadership role for both nations whom he described as “two major powers”. The Indian prime minister also floated his own five-point (Panchsheel) agenda for the bilateral relationship that, he said, will be dependent on shared vision, better communication, strong relationship, shared thought process and shared resolve.

This path, he posited, will be enough to bring global peace, stability and prosperity. What’s immediately is apparent is that Modi is using the summit to not only normalise relationship after the Doka La setback but also laying the roadmap for global leadership based on the convergence of aims and goals. Modi also sought to make the informal summit an annual affair and invited Xi for the next chapter in India.

MEA shares document on history of India-China bilateral ties

PM @narendramodi is in Wuhan for the 1st Informal Summit with Chinese President Xi in order to review the developments in the bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective.
Here's a look at the ties b/w #IndiaChinahttps://t.co/5L1O33K6ED pic.twitter.com/kt9DUp2eVX

— Indian Diplomacy (@IndianDiplomacy) April 27, 2018

Happy if we can have next informal summit in India: PM

“I hope such informal summits become a tradition between both nations. I will be happy if, in 2019, we can have such an informal summit in India,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in Hubei

Watch delegation-level talks between Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping in Hubei here: 

WATCH: PM Modi and President Xi Jinping hold delegation level talks in Wuhan https://t.co/i28g1LLExD

— ANI (@ANI) April 27, 2018

World peace is important for both India and China: PM

“China talks about a new era and I am working for a new India. World peace is important and both India and China have to work for the same and make all possible contributions,” Modi said during delegation-level talks in Hubei. 

“The five positive elements of this relationship are thought, communication, support, commitment and shared vision. These can be the basis for world peace and stability,” he also said at the talks, according to News18. 

#ModiXiSummit — China talks about a new era and I am working for a new India. World peace is important and India-China have to work for the same and make all possible contributions: PM Narendra Modi

LIVE UPDATES: https://t.co/LMcJFUKQkq pic.twitter.com/1vHdmLZeCf

— News18 (@CNNnews18) April 27, 2018

Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping hold delegation-level talks in Hubei, PM thanks Jinping for ‘grand welcome’

“I am thankful to Chinese President Xi Jinping for the grand welcome and the fruitful talks,” Narendra Modi said during delegation-level talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Hubei. “The people of India feel really 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,” he added about the welcome. 

“We represent over 40 percent of the world population, so this is a meet between two major world players,” Modi said about the importance of the summit between the two leaders. “The economies of India and China have given shape to the global economy for 1,600 years,” he added.

Good beginning is half the job done

Wuhan and its importance in the history of Chinese culture became the first topic of discussion as Xi sat down with Modi at the Wuhan museum in Hubei province. On XI’s indication that he had set the meeting in Wuhan since PM Modi had previously not visited the place, Modi pointed out that he had visited the Hubei province as part of a study tour during his tenure as Gujarat chief minister. 

“When I was the CM of Gujarat, I had the opportunity to visit this province. I had heard a lot about the Three Gorges Dam. The speed with which you constructed it and the scale inspired me. So I came on a study tour, spent a day at the dam: PM Modi to President Xi Jinping”, he told Xi, according to ANI. 

These are opening remarks and it is obvious that the meaty part of the discussions will be held off camera. But at the same time, the exchange gives us an insight into the way these apparently non-structured talks would be structured. Xi clearly tried to play the attentive host, and Modi returned the compliment with interest. This is important, because beyond civility, the personal chemistry of leaders will set the course of informal talks. A good beginning is half the job done.

PM Modi tweets about meet with  Xi Jinping in Wuhan 

“Furthering India-China cooperation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping meet in Wuhan,” the PMOIndia account tweeted about the summit. 

Furthering India-China cooperation...Prime Minister @narendramodi and President Xi Jinping meet in Wuhan. pic.twitter.com/QNVs7oRync

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 27, 2018

Expect honest assessment of ties as leaders begin “informal” interaction

The note of “informality” was set as soon as prime minister Modi stepped into the East Lake Guest House on Friday afternoon where president Xi was waiting for him. A firm handshake before the waiting media later, both leaders paused to appreciate a dance performance by a local troupe. Modi and Xi seemed relaxed in their interaction.

The two leaders then sat across the table to inaugurate the talks, accompanied only by their interpreters. The entire setup was “carefully casual”, and it was hard to escape the well-rehearsed steps. This would also be the underlying theme of talks, where under the garb of relaxed atmosphere, both leaders may engage in honest assessment of ties.

Xi Jinping with Narendra Modi on a tour of the exhibition of Marquis Yi of Zeng Cultural Relics and Treasure displayed at the Hubei Provincial Museum, in Wuhan 

#WATCH: Prime Minister Narendra Modi & Chinese President Xi Jinping at an exhibition of Marquis Yi of Zeng Cultural Relics & Treasure (Hubei Provincial Museum) #China pic.twitter.com/REIFk93qtK

— ANI (@ANI) April 27, 2018

‘Why is Modi govt clueless and incapable to send a strong message to China?’ asks Randeep Singh Surjewala 

The Congress asked if Prime Minister Narendra Modi was going to confront China over the Doka La issue during his two-day informal summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

In a series of tweets, the party’s communications in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala attacked the Modi government and accused it of being incapable of sending a strong message to China. 

As Modiji 'hugs' his friend, President, Xi Jinping today in Wuhan, China, will he remember his innate duty to protect India’s strategic interests & question China on occupation of #Dokalam impacting India’s National Security?
1/n

— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) April 27, 2018

2/n
Does the PM accept the failure of his Cabinet Min’s (Defense & EAM) to confront China on creation of ‘full-fledged Chinese Military Complex’ in #Doklam right upto 10m from Indian Army post, during their visit on 20th-24th April, as an abdication of their duty to the Nation?

— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) April 27, 2018

3/n
India is facing increasingly aggressive China to intrude into the ‘Chicken Neck’ -Siliguri Corridor by building a new road through South of #Doklam (Gateway to the North East), but why is Modi Govt clueless and incapable to send a strong message to China?

— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) April 27, 2018

4/n
Doesn’t the latest ‘Satellite Imagery’ from Google Maps of 25th April, 2018 show creation of additional structures by China meters away from Indian Army posts? Has PM & Defense Ministry taken note of it? pic.twitter.com/jKzM7AsXwt

— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) April 27, 2018

5/5
Will PM Modi take up the issue in the ‘Summit’ with Chinese President today in Wuhan, China?

Modiji may not be able to show ‘red eyes’ as he loftily promised, but will he show the courage of conviction to do plain-speaking on #Doklam & defend India’s interests?

— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) April 27, 2018

Visuals of Modi’s visit to Hubei Provincial Museum in Wuhan 

PM @narendramodi with President of China, Xi Jinping visiting Exhibition at Hubei Provincial Museum in Wuhan, China. pic.twitter.com/XBRhT3tlEt

— PIB India (@PIB_India) April 27, 2018

MEA spokesperson tweets images of cultural programme at Hubei Provincial Museum

“India and China’s cultural connect go back many centuries and is reflected in present times through the popularity of Bollywood, Yoga and other aspects of Indian culture,” MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said while sharing visuals of the cultural programme at Hubei Provincial Museum in Wuhan. 

PM @narendramodi was welcomed at the Hubei Provincial Museum with an impressive cultural performance. India and China cultural connect go back many centuries and is reflected in present times through the popularity of Bollywood, Yoga and other aspects of Indian culture. pic.twitter.com/UfdYQPQknw

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) April 27, 2018

‘India wants to hear you talk about crucial issues’

Congress president Rahul Gandhi lashed out at Prime Minister Rahul Gandhi over his “no agenda” meeting with Chinese president Xi Jinping. He said that India wanted to him Modi talk about “crucial issues” like Doka La and China Pakistan Eco Corridor, which passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. “You have our support,” he said.

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.

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 27, 2018

Culture of India, China based along river banks: Modi

“The culture of both India and China is based along the river banks. If we talk about Mohenjo Daro and Harappa civilisations in India, all the development happened along river banks,” ANI  quoted Narendra Modi as saying during the informal meeting with Xi Jinping.

Visited Wuhan when I was Gujarat CM, says Narendra Modi

“When I was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, I had the opportunity to visit Wuhan. I had heard a lot about the Three Gorges Dam. The speed with which you constructed it and the scale inspired me. So I came on a study tour, spent a day at the dam,” ANI  quoted Prime Minister Narendra Modi as telling President Xi Jinping in Wuhan.

Image courtesy. Twitter@PIB_India

Have studied China’s growth story very closely, our cultures similar: Narendra Modi tells Xi Jinping – CNN-News18

Watch: Modi, Xi witness cultural programme at Hubei Provincial Museum

#WATCH: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping witness a cultural programme at Hubei Provincial Museum. #Wuhan pic.twitter.com/nLIy9P8mjV

— ANI (@ANI) April 27, 2018

Shivraj Singh Chouhan looks forward to Modi-Xi meeting

I am confident that the meeting between PM @narendramodi and President Xi Jinping will strengthen our bilateral relations and provide a strategic direction to Indo-China ties. Best wishes to PM for the visit! https://t.co/gSJ8KH7ZHh

— Shivraj Singh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) April 27, 2018

Wuhan summit’s success won’t be clear anytime soon
 

The temptation to read too much into gestures, signals and words might be overpowering, and instant analyses demands far-reaching insight from momentary events. It’d be useful to remember though that what happens at Wuhan will only be clearer over time. Both leaders, free from the shackles of bureaucratise and structured format, may engage in freewheeling chat that allows for better mutual understanding. The importance of this cannot be overstated.

However, such interaction has limited usefulness when it comes to setting the structures of bilateral ties. And it is impossible to tell before one or maybe even two years whether the Wuhan Summit did really succeed in resetting the ties. For instance, Modi would love to have a quieter border across LAC in an election season. But it is impossible to tell right now whether, even if this issue comes up for discussion, that will be a reality. There are too many currents at work, concurrently, that may upstage understandings even if Modi and Xi were to arrive at one.

Modi to get tour of Hubei Provincial Museum

Later on Friday afternoon, Modi will get a tour of ancient Chinese artefacts at the Hubei Provincial Museum, followed by what is scheduled to be a 40-minute meeting with Xi and then dinner, according to the external affairs ministry.

— Reuters

Modi-Xi meet set to begin in an hour

We are about one hour away from the first of several meetings planned between Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping during the former’s two-day visit to Wuhan.

Meet to promote free trade, strengthen unity, and uphold the principles of equity and justice: People’s Daily

Xi and Modi's two-day meeting to promote free trade, strengthen unity among developing countries, and uphold the principles of equity and justice: Chinese Ambassador to India (file pic) pic.twitter.com/fzhsl9rpQm

— People's Daily, China (@PDChina) April 27, 2018

Wuhan and the Mao connection

The Modi-Xi summit, we have been told ad nauseum, will be held in a relaxed setting within an “informal format”. The two leaders might even enjoy a boat ride on East Lake.

Incidentally, 52 years ago, Mao Zedong, then 73 years old, dived into the Yangtze river in the city of Wuhan since he was keen to prove his fitness to doubters within his party. That event was reportedly held amid blazing publicity and in front of thousands of avid supporters. Some reports even claim Chairman Mao apparently swam for 65 km in 15 minutes, cementing his stronghold over the party and adding to his legend. According to a report in South China Morning Post, “The water of the river seemed to be smiling that day.”

It’s unclear whether Xi is planning such a stunt.

Congress taunts Modi over Doka La

How do you think PM Modi will address the Doklam issue in his meeting with President Xi Jinping? #IndiaSpeaks

— Congress (@INCIndia) April 27, 2018

What is expected today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to meet Chinese president Xi Jinping on Friday and hold free-flowing talks at Mao Zedong’s villa in the central Chinese city of Wuhan.

The two leaders will begin their engagement at 3.30 pm, at the Hubei Provincial Museum and take a tour of the site for around an hour. Xi and Modi will hold another meeting at 6 pm, with delegations from both sides being present. This will be followed by a dinner hosted by the Chinese president.

IANS

Not really ‘agenda-free’ talks, both leaders may focus on trade ties 

Though the Indian media has understandably focused on the state of bilateral ties and speculated on issues such as border dispute, India’s joining of BRI and even Nirav Modi, for the long part of their “informal discussion” in a “friendly” setting, both Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping are likely to discuss strategic issues in the international context that concern both nations. Modi had clearly hinted at that possibility before boarding the Wuhan-bound flight.

In the various news briefings leading to the talks, China too has played up this aspect. Behind all the signaling about “agenda-free” talks, it is clear that Modi and Xi would be stressing on ways to tackle the challenges arising out of protectionist impulses in the US. This would be the broad agenda. The relaxed atmosphere may even provide both leaders the opportunity to assess mutual trade ties where India has long been demanding a more level-playing field. Trade drives bilateral ties. If India manages to persuade China to open up its domestic market for Indian manufactured products (not just raw materials), that could pave the way for a true ‘reset’.

‘Heart-to-heart’ summit marks Narendra Modi’s fourth visit to China since he became prime minister

The visit for the ‘heart-to-heart’ summit is Narendra Modi’s fourth to China since he came to power in 2014. He is again due to visit China to take part in the SCO summit to be held at Qingdao city on 9-10 June.

China is ‘wooing’ India because Donald Trump’s moves have left it no choice

As Narendra Modi lands in Wuhan for a much-anticipated one-on-one with Xi Jinping, it is worth exploring the motivations that have driven China to the discussion table. It is a stretch to assume that Beijing, which refuses to consider India as its equal and never fails to be condescending about the economic and military power differential, would suddenly warm up to its neighbour out of  “goodwill”. China doesn’t do “goodwill”.

Its actions (not just under Xi but specially under him) are guided by a pragmatic cost-benefit ratio, and are based on a Sino-centric geopolitical strategy that seeks — through assertive maritime, expansionist and revisionist policies — to restore the Middle Kingdom to its “lost glory”.

Narendra Modi’s meeting with Xi Jinping will be critical step forward in India-China ties, says Himanta Biswa Sarma

Assam tourism minister Himanta Biswa Sarma extended his wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his “crucial” visit to China. In a tweet, Sarma said, “Ever since you took over the reigns of India, her glory has constantly soared. I am sure your meeting with President Xi Jinping will be a critical step forward in India’s ties with China.”

I wish PM Sri @narendramodi the very best for your crucial visit to #China. Ever since you took over the reigns of India, her glory has constantly soared. I am sure your meeting with President Xi Jinping will be a critical step forward in India's ties with China. pic.twitter.com/bHshMEvWC5

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) April 27, 2018

Narendra Modi, Xi Jinping to hold one-on-one talks at 3.30 pm (China time) – ANI

Modi-Xi summit will be new landmark in ties, says Chinese daily

The two-day informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese president Xi Jinping starting Friday could be a “new landmark” in bilateral ties and can help reduce differences, a write-up in the state-run Chinese media said on Thursday. “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.

Referring to 2017’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,” it said.

PTI

Modi-Xi talks aimed at giving ‘honest try’ to work out India-China understanding

Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping will hold the two-day informal summit in Wuhan from Friday during which both the leaders will try to work out a new paradigm for the bilateral ties bogged down with a host of disputes and differences.

While no major agreements are expected to be reached at the summit, both Indian and Chinese sides have indicated that the meeting is aimed at giving an “honest try” by the two leaders to work out an understanding at the top on the future course of relations.

‘Xi and I will exchange views on a range of issues of bilateral and global importance’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted what is likely to be discussed during the informal summit between him and Chinese president Xi Jinping.

We will also review the developments in India-China relations from a strategic and long-term perspective.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 26, 2018

Narendra Modi arrived in China after midnight for ‘heart-to-heart’ informal summit with Xi Jinping

​According to officials, the summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping is an attempt to forge consensus to resolve the issues with follow up actions by officials than announcing any agreements. 

PM @narendramodi landed in China a short while ago. pic.twitter.com/YwJAYASlYJ

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 26, 2018