Modi presents specially woven silk shawl with Xi's image to Chinese President

By his own admission Chinese President Xi Jinping said his stay in this coastal town was a memorable experience.

And it make it even more memorable, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted a specially woven silk shawl with the image of Xi Jinping to him.

After witnessing an exhibition on artefacts and handloom at the Taj Fisherman's Cove hotel in Kovalam, the venue for the second informal summit, Modi presented a big silk 'ponnadai' (shawl) specially made by a group of Sirumugai weavers in Tamil Nadu, for the Chinese President.

The portrait of Xi was woven in the shawl, which the Chinese leader would relish for his life time.

Meanwhile, the two-day informal summit concluded and Xi and his entourage left for Chennai airport to fly back home.

Modi saw him off at the hotel with a big handshake and with the same smile when he received him by wearing the traditional dhoti, white shirt and angawastaram last evening, during which they went round the monuments like Arjunan's penance, Krishna's butter ball, Five Rathas and Shore Temple, where they witnessed a cultural event organised by Kalakshetra troupe.

Earlier, in his opening remarks at the official-level delegates meet, 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.

Xi said the informal summit in Wuhan and Chennai, broached by Modi, had been a brilliant idea. "We are able to bring forth closer cooperation between both countries," he added.

Modi, who began his opening remarks with 'Vanakkam' in Tamil, said "I welcome our guests in the ancient Tamil language in the way that is our tradition".

"Your excellency! Congratulations on completing 70 years of the PRC (People's Republic of China). Tamil Nadu state and ancient city Chennai have been witness to centuries of India-China cultural and trade ties'', Modi said.

''I am happy that I received the honour of introducing you to some of our cultural treasures here. For much of the past 2,000 years India and China have been major economic powers in the world'', he said, adding, ''we are reclaiming that position together in this decade".

"Last year because of our informal summit in Wuhan, our relations saw increased stability and fresh momentum. Strategic communication between us has grown'', the Prime Minister said.

''We have decided that we will prudently manage our differences and not let them become disputes, be sensitive to each other's concerns, and be a reason for peace and stability in the world", the Prime Minister said without naming the Doklam crisis.

"At the Chennai summit so far we have had important discussions on bilateral and global matters. The Wuhan spirit has given our relations new momentum and trust'', Modi said.

''Today, our Chennai vision will begin a new age in relations between our two countries", Modi said.