Will discuss national priorities with Xi: PM

Smita Sharma 

tribune news service

New Delhi, April 26

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday flew to Wuhan in central China for the first informal summit meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. As PM Modi emplaned for China, MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted, “A relationship with a common responsibility for peace, stability and prosperity in the world.”

In the last four years, the PM has visited China thrice, including Xi’s hometown of Xian during his first state visit, Xiamen for the BRICS summit and Hangzhou for the G20 summit last year. According to local media reports, in the erstwhile summer retreat of Chairman Mao Zedong, the hotel in Wuhan where PM Modi is staying is under a security clampdown.

Over the next two days, he and Xi will engage in one-on-one talks, without aides, and hold some delegation sessions for overarching broadbased conversations. Prior to his departure, PM Modi stated: “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.” 

Top official sources say that specific contentious issues, including India’s membership of the NSG (Nuclear Suppliers’ Group) or Chinese veto in the UN Security Council shielding Pakistan-based terror masterminds are unlikely to be raised during the one-on-one talks.

However, the leaders are expected to take up larger global dynamics, including US trade protectionism, WTO (World Trade Organisation) issues, climate change, regional connectivity and security issues. “We will also review the developments in India-China relations from a strategic and long-term perspective,” PM Modi added.