Question

Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a visit to India in 2019. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited China in 2018. Find out about the agreements signed during their visits.

Answer 1

1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Visit to China (Wuhan, April 2018)

1. Nature of the Visit: First Informal Summit between PM Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping, held against the backdrop of the 73-day Doklam military standoff of 2017 to reset bilateral ties.
2. Key Understandings and Outcomes:
   • Strategic Guidance to Militaries: Both leaders agreed to issue strategic guidance to their respective militaries to strengthen communications, enhance mutual trust, and maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas.
   • Bilateral Economic Ties: Discussions focused on addressing the trade deficit faced by India and enhancing market access in pharmaceuticals and agriculture.
   • Joint Economic Projects: Agreement to undertake a joint economic project in Afghanistan in the area of capacity building.
   • Informal Character: Since it was an informal summit, no formal intergovernmental treaties, MoUs, or joint communiqués were signed, focusing instead on high-level strategic alignment.

2. Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Visit to India (Mamallapuram/Chennai, October 2019)

1. Nature of the Visit: Second Informal Summit held in the historic coastal town of Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu.
2. Key Understandings and Outcomes:
   • High-Level Trade and Investment Dialogue: Agreement to establish a new High-Level Economic and Trade Dialogue mechanism co-chaired by India’s Finance Minister and China’s Vice Premier to address trade imbalances.
   • Border Peace and Strategic Communication: Reiteration of the consensus to maintain peace and tranquility in border areas, continue discussions via the Special Representatives (SR) mechanism, and implement Confidence Building Measures (CBMs).
   • Cultural and Civilizational Connect: Establishment of ‘Sister-State/Province’ relations between Tamil Nadu and Fujian province, and celebration of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2020 through 70 cultural events.
   • Agreements: Continuing the informal summit format, no formal MoUs were signed; outcomes were released via press statements and comprehensive briefings.