Xi Jinping wraps up informal summit with Modi

The Kashmir issue was not discussed during the summit

PTI10_12_2019_000113A Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Chinese President Xi Jinping, at Fisherman's Cove in Kovalam near Mamallapuram | PTI

Wrapping up the informal #ChennaiConnect summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping left for Nepal on Saturday by an Air China aircraft. The summit has signalled a recalibration of bilateral ties.

Foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said that the Kashmir issue was not discussed during the summit. But he did confirm that the two leaders talked about bilateral trade ties and border issues. The Chinese President held a two-and-half-hour "open and cordial" one-on-one discussion over dinner.

The talks continued on Saturday as well and the leaders of both the nations vowed to jointly combat terrorism and radicalisation.

On the topic of cross-border terrorism, however, Gokhale said Sino-India ties are not a single issue relationship. He further added that both Xi and Modi said the two countries need to look to the future.

Discussions focused on what happened after the Wuhan Summit in 2018 and both nations were ready to take concrete measures to reduce the trade deficit.

Both PM and Xi emphasised on the importance of having a rules-based global trading system. The leaders also felt that the two countries should cooperate on important regional and global issues, according to Gokhale. Gokhale also said that Xi assured that India's concerns over Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) will be discussed and defence cooperation will be enhanced.

The leaders have also decided that a new mechanism will be set up for issues relating to trade and investment.

Xi, wrapped up his about 24-hour stay during which he visited Mamallapuram near here and held informal talks with the Prime Minister. Also, delegation-level talks were held.

Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit, Chief Minister K Palaniswami, Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam and Assembly Speaker P Dhanapal gave a warm send-off to the Chinese premier.

Both the Governor and Chief Minister briefly conversed with the visiting dignitary at the airport.

Xi is scheduled to visit Nepal after his India meet, the Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying had announced on Wednesday.