Modi, Jinping to Begin Two-day Informal Summit Today
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will sit down for their second informal summit in the bustling ancient town of Mamallapuram today in an attempt to reconfigure ties strained by tough talk on the issue of Kashmir by both sides.
Terrorism and its funding, trade and border issues are likely to be key in the talks between the two premiers. No statement or joint communique will be issued by both sides after the visit as it’s an informal and unstructured meet.
Although Modi is not likely to raise the issue of abrogation of Article 370 the matter will be discussed if Xi presses for more clarity. Earlier this week, China had supported Pakistan’s stand during PM Imran Khan’s Beijing visit and expressed that it would keep a keen watch on the situation in the beleaguered state.
Today’s schedule: A red-carpet welcome awaits Xi when he arrives here around 5 pm, with both the state and the central government agencies making all-out efforts to deck up the coastal town that had strong historical linkages with China’s Fujian province.
Following his arrival, Xi will be accompanied by Modi to the ancient monuments. Modi will also host a private dinner for Xi at the temple complex.
