PM lands in Chennai, says summit will strengthen Indo-China ties

CHENNAI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday arrived
here from New Delhi for the two-day second informal Summit with Chinese
President Xi Jinping to be held at Mahabalipuram, about 55 km from here.
Mr Modi was received at the airport by Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal
Purohit, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, Deputy Chief Minister
O Panneerselvam, Ministers P Thangamani and others.
After a brief reception, Mr Modi reached Thiruvidanthai by helicopter from
where he reached the World UNESCO Heritage site of Mahabalipuram
by road, amid tight security, a distance of 20 kms.
At the helipad, he was received by senior BJP leaders and Ministers.
People, who had lined up on both sides of the road greeted Modi.
While Mr Modi would stay at a star hotel in Mahabs, Mr Xi would be
staying in a hotel at Guindy in the city and would travel by road to the
meeting venue.
Mr Modi would receive Mr Jinping in the evening at the summit venue
where they would be visiting the Shore temple, Arjunan's penance and
Five rathas, in the evening.
After witnessing a cultural programme by Kalakshetra troupe and attending
a dinner hosted by Mr Modi, Mr Xi would return to the city and leave
tomorrow morning for the summit.
Soon after landing in Chennai, Mr Modi said this summit would further
strengthen the ties between the two countries.
Mr Modi tweeted, ”Landed in Chennai. I am happy to be in the great
land of Tamil Nadu, known for its wonderful culture and hospitality.
”It is gladdening that Tamil Nadu will host President Xi Jinping. May
this Informal Summit further strengthen ties between India and China”,
he added.
(agencies)