Indian Navy, Coast Guard heighten security prior to Modi-Xi summit

Ahead of the Modi-Xi summit that is scheduled to happen on Friday, October 11, the Indian Navy and Coast Guard have deployed warships to provide extra security to the meeting between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping at Mamallapuram in Tamil Nadu. This comes as both the leaders would be visiting the historic town of Mahabalipuram to refresh the age-old Indo-China ties. Chinese and Indians have been trading partners since the seventh century. This is the time when the Pallavas and Cholas ruled the place and Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang visited India for the first time. 

Preparations for the Summit 

Situated on the shore of India’s eastern sea Bay of Bengal, Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram has navy warships deployed at some distance from the town to provide security from any seaborne threat. Additionally, security has been beefed up in the area with around 2,000 policemen on duty. Also, it is likely that more than 5,000 policemen to be deployed when the leaders will visit the town. The shops in and around the town are also likely to be shut for a week for security reasons. Fishermen in the area have also been asked to not venture into the sea. 

Read | PM Modi-Xi Jinping Meet: Mamallapuram gears up for 2nd informal summit

Apart from this, the Chennai airport has also been traditionally decorated with banana leaves. Flags of India and China have also been placed across the venue in Mamallapuram. This is the second informal summit chaired by leaders of both countries. The first summit took place in China’s Wuhan in April 2018. The agenda of the current summit will be to focus on issues of bilateral, regional, and global importance.  

Read | Mamallapuram: All you need to know about the Modi-Xi summit venue

Summit schedule

Both the leaders, PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, would start their informal bilateral by attending a guided tour to the town of Mamallapuram. Following that, they are also set to attend a cultural show at the shore temple and have a private dinner in the evening. On day two of the summit, India, and China will hold delegation-level talks followed by a lunch hosted by India in the honour of the Chinese President. Encompassing all the important things, this meeting is also aimed at strengthening the India-China Closer Development Partnership.

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(With ANI Inputs)