PM Modi and President Xi to talk over ‘informal meet’ today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold informal summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Wuhan on Friday on the first day of his two-day China visit
The two leaders will exchange views on bilateral and international matters, besides long term and strategic issues. This is Prime Minister’s fourth visit to China after he came to power in 2014.
The foundation was laid in 2015 and in 2018, ties with China are moving to the next level. This is in keeping with Modi government’s commitment to strengthening relations between the two global power houses.
In his pre-departure statement, Prime Minister Modi wrote, “President Xi and I will exchange views on a range of issues of bilateral and global importance. We will discuss our respective visions and priorities for national development, particularly in the context of current and future international situation. We will also review the developments in the India-China relations from a strategic and long-term perspective.”
In a departure from convention, no agenda has been for the meet. Neither will there be an outcome document. This is not only unusual, but also a sign that both the nations are willing to resolve issues with mutual consent.
More importantly, it gives both sides the opportunity to air their views candidly. The meeting is being seen as a huge step to open new and informal channels of communication at the hirishtghest level, not only to resolve issues. India has described it as a reset- after tension between the neighbours.
Prime Minister Modi and President Xi are expected to reach ‘more strategic consensus on bilateral ties and major issues of common concern as China seeks to establish a closer development partnership with India. China desires that India plays a bigger role within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
It hopes to work with India ‘to jointly safeguard’ the multilateral trade system. Prime Minister’s Wuhan visit comes ahead of his participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit to be held in Qingdao city in China on June 9 and 10.