Modi should show his “56 inch chest” ,raise Huawei,& land occupied in PoK,Doklam:Cong.
NEW DELHI/ MAMALLAPURAM: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday concluded a “highly productive day with a pleasant conversation over a long dinner”, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a tweet.
The two leaders continued their exchange of views on deepening of the India-China partnership over a breathtaking Kalakshetra cultural performance followed by dinner, he added. Modi earlier had guided Xi on a temple tour of Mahabalipuram, starting with Arjuna’s Penance where he first received the visiting dignitary. It was followed by a tour to Panch Rathas, with the Shore Temple next on the itinerary
An unprecedented security cover has been thrown in and around Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, which has inconvenienced people in the town as well as tourists.
The summit will take place amid a renewed strain in ties between the two countries over the Kashmir issue. A joint statement issued after talks between Xi and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday said China is paying “close attention” to the situation in Kashmir and that it should be be properly and peacefully resolved based on the UN Charter.
The first informal summit between PM Modi and Xi Jinping took place Wuhan, a picturesque Chinese lake city, months after a 73-day face-off between the armies of the two countries in Doklam last year.
The meet threw up new guidelines for the military of both nations as part of moving beyond Doklam and “maintaining peace and tranquillity” on border areas. The two nations had agreed that maintaining peace at the border is essential for growth in bilateral ties.
On Wednesday, Beijing said Xi Jinping had assured support to Pakistan on issues related to its “core interests”. State-owned Xinhua News Agency also quoted him as saying that although the “right and wrong” of the situation were clear, India and Pakistan should resolve the situation through peaceful dialogue.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said India’s consistent and clear position has been that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the country and China is well aware of New Delhi’s position. Article 370 as it is an internal matter of India and a sovereign decision. However, in case Xi wants more clarity regarding the same, the matter could be taken up.
The summit also comes in the backdrop of China’s growing trade friction with the US. Both Modi and Xi are likely to explore ways of expanding trade and business ties. India is expected to raise the issue of ballooning trade deficit in China’s favour, said the sources, adding that political relations, trade and ways to maintain peace and tranquility along the nearly 3,500-km Sino-India border will be a major focus area in the talks.
Ties between India and China came under some strain after India announced the withdrawal of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and bifurcated the state into two Union territories in August. China criticised India’s decision and its Foreign Minister Wang Yi even raised it at the UN General Assembly last month.
The two leaders have a packed schedule that includes informal and delegation-level talks and lunch and dinner meets. President Xi’s visit comes after the two sides exchanged sharp words over Kashmir following Xi’s meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan two days ago.
On Saturday, the two leaders will have a one-on-one meeting at the Fisherman’s Cove resort to be followed by delegation-level talks.
A grand ornamental arch to welcome the two leaders has been prominently put up at the entrance to Mamallapuram from the East Coast Road. Traditional arches made of banana trees and sugarcane have been put up in front of the hotel where Xi will stay.
Later on Wednesday evening, a joint statement after President Xi and Imran Khan’s meeting, said Jammu and Kashmir should be “properly and peacefully resolved based on the UN Charter, relevant UN Security Council resolutions and bilateral agreements.”
In its response, India said, “India’s position has been consistent and clear that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. China is well aware of our position. It is not for other countries to comment on the internal affairs of India”.
Meanwhile,The Congress on Friday said PM Modi should show his “56 inch chest” and raise issues like Huawei, land occupied in PoK and Doklam with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
“As Xi Jinping supports Imran Khan on Article 370 Modi Ji look him in the eye at Mamallapuram and say: 1) Vacate 5000 km of land in PoK occupied by China trans-Karakoram 2) No Huawei in India for 5G. Show your 56 ki chhati!” Senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal said in a tweet.
(With Inputs from IRA JHA & Agencies).
