Informal summit ends, Xi leaves for Nepal

Chinese President Xi Jinping left for Nepal after participating in the two-day 'fruitful' informal summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Mahabalipuram, about 55 km from here.

Jinping was seen off at the airport, among others by Governor Banwarilal Purohit, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, Chinese Ambassador to India Sun Weidong and Assembly Speaker P Dhanapal, Chief Secretary Shanmugham, DGP J K Tripathy, Chennai City Police Commissioner A K Viswanathan and other officials.

During his two-day visit, Xi was taken a guided by Modi to various monuments at the UNESCO World Heritage and later witnessed a cultural programme by the Kalakshetra troupe.

After attending a dinner hosted by Modi, both the leaders held a meeting that lasted two-and-a-half hours, during which various issues were discussed.

This morning, both the leaders had an one-to-one closed door meeting for nearly 50 minutes and it was followed by official level delegation meet, in which both Modi and Xi gave their opening remarks.

After having lunch with Modi, the Chinese President left for Chennai Airport from where left for Nepal.

Unprecedented security arrangements were made at the airport, the hotel where Xi stayed and at Mamallapuram, the venue of the summit.

The Tamil nadu government accorded a red carpet welcome when Xi arrived at the airport yesterday.

Xi said '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'', he added.