PM Modi’s visit to China

Prime Minister Narendra Modi went on his three day China visit from 14^th to 16^th May. This tour of Prime Minister Modi was of paramount importance for both the Nations. It not only augmented the bilateral partnership and economic cooperation between India and China but also enhanced the friendship among the two ancient civilizations of the world.

It was the first time ever that the Chinese President hosted any leader outside Beijing during an official visit. President Xi Jinping received PM Modi warmly in Xi’an, which is in his home province. Friendship between both the leaders took a new dimension. President Xi accompanied PM Narendra Modi to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and South City Wall where Shri Modi was given a Ceremonial Reception. Shri Narendra Modi also presented the Chinese President with a few archaeological drawings of excavations at Vadnagar, Gujarat which was one of the places visited by great Chinese traveller Xuanzang.

Wide-ranging discussions with President Xi Jinping, high level delegation talks and meeting top Chinese CEOs formed core part of the visit. Prime Minister Modi also travelled up to Beijing where he met Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. At the Joint Press Conference, with the Chinese Premier, discussions took place concerning to peace and tranquillity in the border region. Emphasize was on to turn India-China relationship into a source of strength for each other and a force of good for the world. Also, the ‘Nathu La route’ for visiting Kailash Mansarovar that would become operational by June was news of cheer for both the sides.

A meeting of ‘India-China Forum of State/Provincial Leaders’ was held in Beijing where the Prime Minister while reiterating his vision of ‘Team India’ emphasized on the Centre-State coordination needed for overall development of entire Nation. Shri Modi considered the ‘India-China Provincial Leaders Forum’ to be historic and a unique move that would further deepen the economic ties between both the Nations.

While speaking at the ‘India-China Business Forum’, having an interaction with the top Chinese business officials and investors in China’s commercial capital Shanghai, PM Modi put emphasis on ‘Make in India’ initiative of the Government of India. He presented to them picture of a transforming India where doing business was now turning easier. Adding further, he said, “India has always been a knowledge society. You have been an innovating society.”

Prime Minister Modi got the chance to visit two of the most noted Universities in China. At the Tsinghua University in Beijing, Shri Narendra Modi stated that India-China bilateral cooperation and International partnership was important for success of both the Nations. He clearly expressed India’s strong desire for enhancing people to people contact between both the nations.

While launching the Centre for Gandhian and Indian Studies at Fudan University, PM expressed joy that in his three day visit he got the opportunity to interact with students in two noted universities. Speaking at the launch, Shri Modi believed Gandhiji to be a ‘Yug Purush’ and a ‘Vishwa Manav.’

In order to connect better with the Chinese people directly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi even set up his account on Chinese social media platform Weibo. Just as he debuted on Weibo prior his tour, Chinese netizens largely appreciated this move of the Indian Prime Minister.

His address to the Indian Community in Shanghai was a keenly awaited programme. The Diaspora waited eagerly to listen to the Indian Prime Minister on the last day of his China visit. Enthusiasm gripped the venue as PM Modi interacted with the people.

He left the land of China optimistically that the visit would strengthen India-China bilateral relations in times to come. PM thanked President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang and the people of China for their warmth and hospitality.