No formal hug, EAM Jaishankar not accompanying Indian delegation: First visuals of Modi-Xi meeting

PM Modi is holding bilateral talks with Xi Jinping amid strained ties with the US and attempts to revamp India-China relations.

The much-anticipated bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the SCO summit between PM Modi and Xi Jinping has just concluded. The meeting went on for  nearly an hour. In what many would consider as a departure from the past, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar did not accompany the Indian delegation and two leaders greeted each other with a formal handshake instead of the 'customary' hug.

In his opening remarks during the talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, PM Modi said, "We are determined to take our relationship forward based on mutual trust, respect and sensitivity. We extend our best wishes for the successful hosting of the SCO Summit, and I thank you for the invitation for this visit and this meeting."

During his meeting with Jinping,  PM told the Chinese leader that the interests of 2.8 billion people of both countries are linked to India-China cooperation. "The interests of 2.8 billion people of both countries are linked to our cooperation. This will also pave the way for the welfare of the entire humanity. We are committed to taking our relations forward on the basis of mutual trust, respect, and sensitivity," he told Jinping.

“An agreement has been reached between our Special Representatives regarding border management. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has been resumed. Direct flights between the two countries are also being resumed. The interests of 2.8 billion people of both countries are linked to our cooperation. This will also pave the way for the welfare of the entire humanity. We are committed to taking our relations forward on the basis of mutual trust, respect and sensitivity,” PM Modi said during the meeting.

PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping took stock of India-China economic ties and deliberate on steps to further normalise relations that came under severe strain following the eastern Ladakh border row.