Published 15:06 IST, October 12th 2019
PM Modi-Xi second informal summit: China calls it a 'big success'
As PM Modi and Chinese prez Xi Jinping concluded second informal summit at Mamallapuram, Chinese Ambassador to India Sun Weidong called meet a big success
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese premier Xi Jinping concluded the second informal summit at Tamil Nadu's Mamallapuram, Chinese Ambassador to India Sun Weidong called the meet a big success. Taking to Twitter, the Chinese ambassador called that from Wuhan to Chennai, India and China stands together. He expressed his hope for the joint partnership between the two nations. "From Wuhan to Chennai, from Yangtze river to Ganges, China & India join hands and stand together. Dragon and Elephant have a tango. Let us jointly work for a better future of our country and people, and the world at large," Weidong said. He also thanked India for 'gracious hospitality'.
Chinese President Xi Jinping's statement
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping issued statements following the delegation-level talks on Saturday. President Xi stated that India and China are important neighbours. He also mentioned that he had a good discussion with PM Modi 'as a friend'. "We feel that Mr. Prime Minister, the Indian government and the state of Tamil Nadu and the people here cherish friendly sentiment towards the Chinese people, Chinese government and we really feel your sincere welcome to us during this visit," he said.
Speaking about the India-China relations, he added, "China and India are each others' important neighbours. And we are the only two major countries each with over one billion people. It is China's policy to maintain and grow the China-India relations. Yesterday and earlier today Prime Minister Modi, as you said, we have engaged in a candid discussion as friends. In this heart to heart discussion on bilateral relations, we have had really in-depth engagement and good discussions. I am happy and I enjoyed the conversation so far... I make sure that our discussions from today will further bring forward our relations. (sic)"
India's briefing on second informal summit
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese premier Xi Jinping concluded the second informal summit, the Foreign Secretary said that Kashmir issue was not discussed. Briefing the media on Saturday, about Prime Minister's one-on-one talks with Chinese president, foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said that India's position is clear on the issue. He also added both the leaders discussed terrorism and highlighted the need to fight against it together. He also briefed about Xi's invitation to PM Modi and Defence Minister.
The Foreign Secretary said, "This (Kashmir) issue was not raised and not discussed. Our position is anyways very clear that this is an internal matter of India." However, Modi and Xi agreed that both countries should work together to deal with the challenge of terrorism, he said. Gokhale also said President Jinping invited PM Modi to China for the next India-China summit. "PM Modi has accepted the invitation. Dates will be worked out later," he added.
Updated 16:59 IST, October 12th 2019