PM Modi arrives in Chennai, says 'gladdened to see TN host Xi Jinping'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday landed in Chennai ahead of his second informal meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Taking to Twitter shortly after landing in Chennai, PM Modi said that he feels happy to be in the great land of Tamil Nadu. The Prime Minister went on to say that he is gladdened that Tamil Nadu is going to hold the Chinese President. He further hoped for the informal summit in Mamallapuram to strengthen ties between India and China.

READ | PM Modi-Xi Jinping Meet: Mamallapuram Gears Up For 2nd Informal Summit

Mahabalipuram gears up for Modi-Xi meet

Chinese President Xi Jinping is going to be in Indian state of Tamil Nadu from October 11-12. The Tamil Nadu government has made an array of preparations ahead of the crucial informal summit between the two world leaders. The security has been beefed up from all fronts across the state, with ancient monuments and heritage sites decked up for meeting between PM Modi and Xi Jinping. The two leaders will have guided tours of three of the most relevant heritage sites in Mahabalipuram - Arjuna's penance, Krishna's butter ball, and the Pancha Rathas. Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram, being a historic town has been chosen for the meeting, for having strong maritime trade connection with China since the seventh century. 

READ | Ahead Of Modi-Xi Summit, China Makes Big 'Asian Century' Statement

China's 'Asian Century' statement

Ahead of his arrival of Chinese President Xi Jinping in Chennai, the Chinese state-run media has made a big statement on India-China relations. In an article published in China's mouthpiece Global Times, China has said that the 21st century cannot be Asia's century without the cooperation of the two countries.

"Chinese companies have in recent years proactively participated in India's initiatives, such as "Make in India" and "Digital India," expanding investment in the country's industrial parks and e-commerce, creating substantial job opportunities in India. India's investment in China is also rising." the article reads.

READ | Xi Leaves For India For 2nd Informal Summit With PM Narendra Modi

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