Chinese President Xi Jinping gets a grand welcome in Chennai

October 11: Chinese President Xi Jinping was accorded a grand welcome in Chennai on Friday. President Xi Jinping is on his his two-day informal summit with PM Narendra Modi. Around 2,000 children wore Xi Jinping masks made of paper on their faces and stood in formation to the from the word “welcome” to welcome him. In Mahabalipuram, towering gates made of 18 types of vegetables and fruits have been erected in the historic city’s Panch Rathas to welcome the Chinese President.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted Chinese President Xi-Jinping to a dinner in Chennai. A host of South Indian delicacies from Chettinad to Karaikudi cuisines were served at the dinner hosted by PM Modi. The list of dishes includes Thakkali Rasam, Arachavitta Sambar, Kadalai Kuruma and Kavanarasi Halwa.

Earlier in the evening, PM Modi took Xi for a tour of the temples of Mahabalipuram, now known as Mamallapuram, after the Chinese President arrived in Chennai to a grand welcome for his second informal meeting with PM Modi since they met in China’s Wuhan in April last year.

Prime Minister Modi took the visiting Chinese dignitary on a tour of UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Arjuna’s Penance, Krishna’s Butter Ball and the Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram, before settling down for the colourful performances. PM Modi was in a crisp white traditional attire of Tamil Nadu, called the veshti, while the Chinese President came in a white shirt and black pants, as they walked about the rocky lawns of the temples.

PM Modi spoke about historical and trading links between southern part of India and eastern coast of China. The two-day event is a symbolic walk into an ancient era of trade ties between the heritage coastal town and China around 1,600 years ago. On Saturday morning, the two leaders will hold their informal meet at the Taj Fisherman’s Cove Resort and Spa, which will be followed by delegation-level talks. PM Modi will also host President Xi lunch.