PM Narendra Modi holds "fruitful meeting" with China`s Xi Jinping in Brazil

In one of the most awaited meetings, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping shortly after his arrival in Brazil.

Zee Media Bureau

Fortaleza: In one of the most awaited meetings, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday night met Chinese President Xi Jinping shortly after his arrival in Brazil. On the eve of the sixth BRICS Summit, the two leaders met for 80 minutes, double the time allotted for the meet. After the meet, PM Modi, on microblogging website Twitter, said that he had a "very fruitful meeting" with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Had a very fruitful meeting with Chinese President Mr. Xi Jinping. We discussed a wide range of issues pic.twitter.com/dL6n0p17TO

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 15, 2014

During the first summit-level interaction with China, the PM suggested opening of a second route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, discussed resolving the boundary question in an amicable manner, among other important issues. The two leaders observed that India and China had enormous opportunities to not only forge mutually beneficial partnerships, but also serve as catalytic agents of Asian and global prosperity. Underscoring the importance of the bilateral relationship, President Xi Jinping said: “When India and China meet, the whole world watches.” The duo expressed satisfaction at the high momentum of bilateral engagement during the past few weeks, including the visit of Vice President Hamid Ansari to China and the visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to India as President Jinping’s Special Envoy, in June. Both the sides further emphasised on the need to find a solution to the Boundary Question. Prime Minister Modi underlined the significance of strengthening mutual trust and confidence, and maintaining peace and tranquillity on the border. He said that if India and China could amicably resolve the Boundary Question, it would set an example for the entire world, on peaceful conflict resolution. The PM also suggested the addition of one more route for the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra, keeping in view the terrain difficulties. President Xi Jinping accepted this as a suggestion for consideration. The Prime Minister also called for enhanced Chinese investment in the infrastructure sector in India, and hoped that the trade imbalance between the two countries is resolved. The Chinese President agreed that balance in trade is necessary for a sustainable economic relationship. He also said enhanced services exports from India to China could be one way to address the issue. China further invited India to attend an APEC meeting in November this year. President Xi Jinping also said India should deepen its engagement with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). The Prime Minister said India currently has observer status in the SCO, and was ready to accept additional responsibility, if asked to. Recalling his visits to China as Gujarat Chief Minister, the PM expressed hope for increase in tourism and ties between the people of the two ancient civilisations. PM Modi expressed hope that the Chinese President`s planned visit to India this year was an opportunity to chart a new and ambitious agenda for the strategic partnership between the Asian neighbours. The Indian delegation accompanying him includes Minister of State for Finance Nirmala Sitharaman, National Security Adviser AK Doval and Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh.