‘Glad to receive you in my hometown,’ President Xi tells Modi as both leaders begin talks

Xi'an: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday began summit-level talks during which the two leaders are expected to discuss a host of issues, including the contentious boundary dispute and China's plans for infrastructure projects in PoK.

Xi warmly welcomed Modi at the Shaanxi Guest House here as the two leaders shook hands for photographs.

In his opening remarks, Modi appreciated the Chinese leader for warmly receiving him outside Beijing.

"This is an honour to 125 crore Indians whom I am representing as Prime Minister," said Modi, who was wearing a black bandhgala suit.

Read: 'New milestone' in sight, Narendra Modi begins high-profile China visit

Recalling his visit to Ahmedabad in September last year, President Xi said, "You received me very warmly in your hometown. I am very glad to receive you in my hometown."

While Modi spoke in Hindi, Xi made his remarks in Chinese.

Read: Narendra Modi's style statement in China creates a flutter on Twitter

Embarking on the three-day visit to China that will take him to Beijing and Shanghai after Xi'an, Modi had expressed confidence that his trip would deepen mutual trust, work out a roadmap for upgrading bilateral economic ties and set a "new milestone" for Asia and developing nations.

Modi, who is undertaking his first visit to China as Prime Minister, reached the ancient city of Xi'an this morning and was accorded a grand welcome.

Read: India, China likely to sign 20 business deals during Narendra Modi's visit

Xi is meeting Modi in his hometown of Xi'an in an unusual departure from normal protocol that is being seen as a reciprocal gesture by the Chinese leader who was hosted by Modi in Ahmedabad when he visited India.

Irritants like the boundary issue and China's plans for infrastructure projects in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) stand in the way of taking the bilateral ties forward and were likely to be discussed by the two leaders.

Modi has met President Xi three times during the last one year and held extensive talks on a wide range of issues.

Read: India, China to sign pact to enhance bilateral ties in tourism

The Prime Minister is being accompanied by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar and other senior officials.

Am very glad to see the enthusiasm among the people of China. People-to-people ties are always special. https://t.co/8kD1jCicFx

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 14, 2015