Much-anticipated PM Modi-Xi Jinping handshake in Mamallapuram, watch

As Chinese president Xi Jinping arrived in Mamallapuram on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed him, while dressed in traditional veshti, white shirt and angavashtra of Tamil Nadu. Earlier, as Xi reached Chennai, the Prime Minister took to Twitter to welcome him. He wrote: Welcome to India, President Xi Jinping!' As both leaders met on Friday, they shook hands and walked inside the Arjuna's Penance, the first site of visit in Mahabalipuram during their second informal summit. 

Here are the first the pictures: 

READ: Xi Jinping welcomed amid riot of colour & sound at Chennai airport

Chinese President Xi welcomed at the airport

Chinese president Xi Jinping on Friday landed in the Chennai around 2 PM, ahead of his second informal meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As the Chinese premier stepped out of his aircraft, he was welcomed by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister E K Palaniswami, Governor Banwarilal Purohit and Speaker of the Tamil Nadu Assembly P Dhanapal amidst traditional music and 'poorna kumbam'. A large number of artists lined up at the airport waving colourful flags, beating drums and dancing to traditional music to welcome the Chinese leader. Xi, who was accompanied by Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi waved at the crowd.  A brief cultural program was held at the airport to welcome Xi, after which his convoy left for his hotel.

READ: Modi-Xi Summit: India-China high-level engagements in 2019

Mamallapuram - venue of Modi- Xi informal meet

The old seaport town in Kanchipuram, also known as Mahabalipuram, is the site for the visit of Chinese premier and Prime Minister Modi. The old seaport is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has a rich history. The seaport served as a gateway for import and export of goods to and fro South India and China back in the 7th century. From the informal meet between the two Asian leaders, both countries hope to explore the historical and cultural connection between Mamallapuram and China. Mamallapuram, the city of Mamalla, is named after the Pallava ruler Narasimhavarman-I. Kanchipuram was the capital of the Pallavas around the sixth century and Mamallapuram, a major seaport, was used to establish trade links with South-East Asian countries, including China.

READ: PM Modi arrives in Chennai, says 'gladdened to see TN host Xi Jinping'

PM Modi's - Xi Jinping's schedule on Friday

PM Modi reached Chennai on Friday around 12.30, after which he flew to Mahabalipuram helipad. Around 2, Chinese premier Xi Jinping reached Chennai. The summit between the Asian giants will begin at 5 in the evening. PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled for a guided tour to three of the monuments at Mahabalipuram. Next, both the leaders will be attending a cultural program at Shore Temple at 6 in the evening. The two leaders will then have a private dinner.

READ: Modi-Xi Summit: Significance of Mamallapuram meet to China