Mamallapuram Informal Summit - Modi's Charm Offensive

Cultural Bonhomie: PM showcases India’s heritage as he rolls out the red carpet for Xi. Will they manage to improve ties?

- Geetha Mohan

AGAINST the scenic backdrop of the coastal city of Mamallapuram, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping set out to improve relations that witnessed a major dip after India’s decision to abrogate Article 370 in Jammu & Kashmir.

The bonhomie was visible from the moment the two met at the world heritage site, Arjuna’s Penance, where PM Modi received the Chinese President.

The two leaders had “one-toone” time for about five hours on Friday barring a cultural programme in the evening.

Addressing the media after the day’s events, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said, “It was quality time that the leaders spent together. Most of it was one-toone barring the cultural programme... The discussions over dinner stretched to over 150 minutes, roughly close to two and a half hours. The Prime Minister and the Chinese President both spoke on national visions, govt priorities. Trade-related issues, economic issues, investment opportunities, trade deficit and trade imbalance figured.”

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