China President Xi’s India visit: PM Narendra Modi invokes timeless India-China ties

AHMEDABAD: Ahmedabad is buzzing with excitement. For, not every day does a Chinese President come calling on a state, forget about flagging off his India tour from one. But these are different times, and Ahmedabad is big on the Indian map, from where the Chinese President Xi Jinping will kick off his India tour on Wednesday. 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi — who hails from Ahmedabad too — has extended his welcome note on the micro-blogging site twitter. 

“On 17th, I look forward to welcoming President Xi Jinping in Ahmedabad. Am sure his visit will strengthen India-China ties,” Modi wrote. He even reminded Jinping of historic ties between China and India. “Buddhism is a very strong bond between China and India. In fact, Gujarat too has a very rich Buddhist heritage.”

“Well known Chinese traveller Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang) noted the presence of Buddhist monasteries, monks in parts of Gujarat,” Modi wrote. “The place where I was born, Vadnagar, too has a rich Buddhist influence, including a monastery,” he added.

Modi will host a dinner on the Sabarmati riverfront in Ahmedabad for Jinping on September 17, after which the two leaders will travel to Delhi for the substantive meetings the following day. During the Modi-Jinping meet, all critical issues of interest, including the protracted border issue, transgressions along the Line of Actual Control, Tibet affairs, and stapled visas for all Arunachal residents will be discussed, an MEA spokesperson said in Delhi on Monday.

Modi as a special gesture will receive the Chinese President when he arrives at his hotel in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, the spokesperson added.