Modi, Xi set for informal talks in China this week
Leaders likely to avoid NSG, Azhar, other micro stress points
BEIJING/NEWDELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit China later this week for an informal meeting with President Xi Jinping, external affairs Sushma Swaraj said in Beijing on Sunday, as efforts to step up bilateral relations gather pace after a recent chill over a border standoff between the two nations.
Modi will meet Xi in China’s Wuhan city on April 27 and 28.
“It’s a new landmark in the China and India history,” Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi said at a joint press conference with Swaraj.
Swaraj said the summit will provide an opportunity for the two sides to discuss bilateral ties, international matters and improve communication. She said the two leaders will discuss the strengthening of “closer developmental partnership”.
According to Indian and Chinese diplomats based in Beijing and New Delhi, the Wuhan summit will have no fixed agenda and the outcome will be in the form of understanding between the two leaders on macro issues.
There will be no discussion on “micro-issues” such as China opposing India’s entry to the NSG or Masood Azhar’s designation as a terrorist, officials with knowledge of the matter said. China has repeatedly blocked India’s membership of the NSG and it has also been opposing UN sanctions against Pakistan-based Jaish-emohammed chief Azhar.
“It will be a leaders-only summit where they have discussions on overarching issues. No documents, Mous or agreements will be signed. Naturally, we shall hope for a positive outcome but in the form of understanding each other. We don’t want to raise any irrational expectations,” said a senior Indian official.