PM Modi in his opening statement said, "Tamil Nadu and the historical city of Chennai has served as an important cultural and commercial link between India and China. After Wuhan spirit, Chennai vision has started a new era of cooperation between the two countries."
Referring to the first informal summit that had taken place in 2017 in Wuhan, PM said, "Strategic communication between both nations have increased....we had promised that we will not let any dispute escalate and increase global interaction. Wuhan spirit has given our ties a new momentum and trust. Todays 'Chennai connect' is the start of a new era in India-China relations."
The Chinese President Xi Jinping, on the other hand, tells PM Modi that the informal summit in Wuhan and Chennai, broached by PM Modi, had been a good idea. "We are able to bring forth closer cooperation between both countries," he said. About their earlier one-on-one meeting Xi says that the discussion had been "very in-depth" and "good". "We engaged in a candid discussion as friends in this heart-to-heart discussion on bilateral relation," he says.
"We are really overwhelmed by your hospitality. Me and my colleagues have felt that very strongly. This will be a memorable experience for me and us," Chinese President Xi Jinping further said.
Chinese President Xi Jinping reached the Taj Fisherman's Cove Resort and Spa to continue the talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday. He was received by PM Modi at the hotel. The two leaders are held one-on-one talks in the historic coastal city today.
For the second day of the summit, the Prime Minister opted for a Kurta and Pajama, along with his statement Modi jacket. He had carried out all engagements on the first day of the summit in traditional Tamil attire, including a veshti, white half-sleeved shirt and angvastram. Xi, on the other hand, wore a black suit without a tie on Saturday, signifying the informal nature of the summit.
Watch | PM Modi and Xi Jinping at Taj Fisherman's Cove hotel
Later in the day, Prime Minister Modi will also host a lunch for President Xi, following which the Chinese leader will proceed to the Chennai airport from where he will depart for a two-day state visit to Nepal.
Xi Jinping's schedule for today-
• Chinese President left for Mahabalipuram from his hotel at 9 am.
• In about 50 minutes, Jinping arrived at Fisherman's Hotel at 9.50 am, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is staying. Here the two leaders are holding talks.
• At 10 am, the two leaders had a round of conversation in the hotel's restaurant.
• There was also be delegation-level interaction between the two countries at Prime Minister Modi's hotel.
• PM Modi will now host a lunch for the Chinese President.
• The Chinese President will leave for Chennai International Airport at 12.45 pm and board the plane at 1.30 pm.
On Friday, Xi and Modi spent five hours of "quality time" and held discussions on a wide range of issues including trade between the two countries and ways to counter radicalisation and terrorism. The camaraderie shared between the two leaders was on full display as 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 Mamallapuram, before settling down for a colourful cultural performance which showcased the rich cultural heritage of India.
In Photos | India-China Informal Summit Day 1: Modi-Xi's Informal Day Out
After the show at the sea-facing Shore Temple, Modi hosted a special dinner for Xi. The one-on-one discussion over dinner lasted for about 150 minutes, Gokhale added during a special briefing.