India Today
April 9, 2015
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ahead of China’s visit in May, said that he is looking forward to meet his Chinese counterpart.
The PM will be holding bilateral talks on trade, border dispute and many other issues. This will be his first visit as PM though he has been to China as Gujarat’s Chief Minister many a times to study the development model.
Modi will be visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping’s home province Shaanxi.
Speaking to Hindustan Times, Modi said that President Xi’s India’s visit will further strengthen the relationship between the two countries. The PM also said that his main focus will be maintaining peace and tranquility to achieve a common solution.
“The present priorities of both nations are the economic welfare of their people. We have taken a conscious decision not to allow confrontation to escalate into conflict, ” the PM told Hindustan Times.
In February, Chinese President in an India Today report had expressed full confidence in crafting the future of India-China relations with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Xi, who has expressed his keenness for Modi to reciprocate his gesture of hosting the Chinese President in Gujarat by travelling to his home province of Shaanxi during his expected visit in May, said he “still cherish[ed] the fresh memories in my mind about the gracious hospitality extended to me by the government and people and particularly I cherish the fond memories of my trip to Prime Minister Modi’s home town in Gujarat state” last September.
During his trip to India, the Chinese President took a stroll on the picturesque Sabarmati riverfront, sat on a swing and watched traditional folk dances of Gujarat with Modi.
Modi on Obama
Modi also expressed his mutual respect for US President Barack Obama. Speaking to Hindustan Times, he said, “From my intimate discussions with President Obama, it is evident that India figures significantly in American geo-political, economic and strategic thinking. India is the largest democracy in the world. This strength, combined with our talented youth, has the potential of working together with the USA, which is the oldest democracy and which respects human talent.”
