Prime Minister Narendra Modi held informal meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping at Wuhan’s Hubei Provincial Museum

The warming up of relationship between India and China is also visible in increasing people-to-people contact and cultural exchanges between India and China. Chinese news agency Xinhua in a report said that India-originated Yoga and Indian films have gained large popularity across China.

The two leaders exchanged views on bilateral and international matters, besides long term and strategic issues. This is Prime Minister’s fourth visit to China after he came to power in 2014.

The foundation was laid in 2015 and in 2018, ties with China are moving to the next level. This is in keeping with Modi government’s commitment to strengthening relations between the two global power houses.

In his pre-departure statement, Prime Minister Modi wrote, “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. We will also review the developments in the India-China relations from a strategic and long-term perspective.”

In a departure from convention, no agenda has been for the meet. Neither will there be an outcome document. This is not only unusual, but also a sign that both the nations are willing to resolve issues with mutual consent.

Prime Minister Modi and President Xi are expected to reach ‘more strategic consensus on bilateral ties and major issues of common concern as China seeks to establish a closer development partnership with India. China desires that India plays a bigger role within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

It hopes to work with India ‘to jointly safeguard’ the multilateral trade system. Prime Minister’s Wuhan visit comes ahead of his participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit to be held in Qingdao city in China on June 9 and 10.