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Sandeep Dikshit
Tribune News Service
Mamallapuram, October 11
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping spent nearly five hours discussing terrorism, trade, investment and their respective national visions during the first day of their second informal summit being held at the medieval-era port town here today.
A major topic on the table was the challenges faced by both countries from terrorism. Both leaders acknowledged that as both countries were large and diverse, radicalisation was a matter of concern for both. They resolved to work together so that terrorism did not affect their multi-religious, multi-ethnic multi-cultural national mosaic.
“Both leaders also spoke of their development priorities, trade-related economic issues and tried to identify the areas where investments could be encouraged,” Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale told mediapersons after the conclusion of a private dinner between the leaders that stretched for two-and-a-half hours, well beyond the scheduled cut-off time. “Discussions were very open and cordial. This was quality time the two leaders spent one-on-one,’’ noted Gokhale. There were detailed discussions on their governance priorities and national vision. PM Modi informed Xi that his renewed mandate was for economic development and Xi responded, saying he was looking forward to working closely with PM Modi on all issues.
The leaders will discuss regional and international issues when they meet again on Saturday for another round of informal discussions. “This is a dialogue in progress,” said the Foreign Secretary, declining to take questions, including whether Kashmir was discussed.
The two leaders will continue their talks on Saturday during which they will attempt to narrow down their differences on boundary dispute, trade deficit and China’s growing support to Pakistan in Islamabad’s contestation with Delhi. “The intention behind the summit is to move forward and chart a new pathway of development, despite differences between the two countries over these issues,’’ officials said. PM Modi explained to Xi the historical significance of the monuments, wearing a white, full-sleeved shirt tucked into black trousers, he narrated their historical links with China’s Fujian province where the Chinese leader was once Governor.
From Pancha Ratha, the two leaders visited the well-lit Shore temple, a symbol of the cultural heritage of the Pallava dynasty. They were then joined by select representatives from both sides to witnessed a cultural programme by the Kalakshetra Society.
The two leaders then departed for a private dinner at the done-up Shore temple complex. Eight delegates from each side sat at a separate venue for the dinner. Delicately selected authentic Tamil cuisines, including vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, were served, from lobster cooked in Kerala spices to pea with tamarind and jaggery.
SLICE OF SOUTH’S HISTORY
Tamil song invokes peace, Gandhi
A Tamil song hailing peace and Mahatma Gandhi was rendered to the accompaniment of traditional dance at a cultural event, hinting that India stands for peace. After a guided tour of monuments, including Arjuna’s Penance, PM Modi and Xi arrived at the Shore Temple. Later, they attended a cultural show.
Traditional South Indian spread for dignitaries
A traditional South Indian spread, including sambhar, was part of the menu for Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping for dinner. ‘Arachu vitta sambhar’, prepared from grounded lentils, spices and coconut to make it that much tastier was touted to be the key attraction in the menu.
Xi prefers Chinese-made ‘Hongqi’ to copter
The visiting dignitary opted to travel to Mamallapuram by road instead of a helicopter as Chinese leaders, as a matter of policy, shun travel by choppers. While Modi flew to Mamallapuram by a helicopter, Xi covered the 57-km journey from Chennai by road in a specially flown in “Hongqi” limousine.
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