Modi says this is the year of India and China

After a fruitful day in Xi’an city, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Beijing on Friday, the second day of his three-day China visit.

He was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Great Hall of People and met his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang, from where they both proceeded for delegation-level talks and signing of agreements.

India and China exchanged 20 agreements, including railways, education exchange programme, space cooperation, ocean sciences, etc. Deals worth $23 billion are expected to be signed between both the nations during Modi’s visit out of which $10 billion deals were signed today.

While meeting Li, Modi stressed that China needed to reconsider its approach on some issues like border and its support to India’s rival Pakistan.

However, he said that such issues should not hold both the countries back in realising full potential of the partnership.

“We agreed that as we move ahead, we should be sensitive to each other's interests; strengthen mutual trust and confidence; continue to manage our difference with maturity; and, seek solutions to outstanding issues,” he said while making a statement.

Having said that, both the South-Asian giants also sought to work together and help each other to emerge as powerful world economies.

Later on, he is scheduled to address the first Forum of Leaders of the Regions of India and Beijing, which will be attended by Chief Ministers of Gujarat and Maharashtra.

Modi, who arrived in China on Thursday, met Chinese President Xi Jinping in the latter’s hometown, Xi’an, and worked out to enhance ties, despite years of mistrust.

Both the nations face an array of issues, including border dispute and China’s backing to Pakistan. Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi urged Modi to work together to promote the international order in a fair direction.

During his stay in Xi’an, Modi also visited Daxingshan Temple, Terracotta Army museum and Giant Wild Goose Pagoda.

Modi is on a three-nation tour in which he will also visit Mongolia and South Korea and the visits will end on May 19.

(Image: PIB)