File photo of PM Narendra Modi with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Fortaleza, Brazil
Away from political churnings over by-poll results, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today interacted with Chinese journalists ahead of President Xi Jinping's visit and used a new way of summing up ties - "Inch (India and China)" towards "Miles" or Millennium of Exceptional Energy.
"Every inch we cover can rewrite history of humanity and every mile we cross will go a long way in making this planet a better place," PM Modi said, adding that the relationship between the two countries goes beyond "plain arithmetic".
"India and China are bound by history, connected by culture, and inspired by rich traditions. Together they can create a bright future for the entire mankind," he added.
The Chinese President arrives tomorrow for a three-day visit focused on trade, investment and the decades-old border disputes between the two countries.
He is expected to stop over first at the PM's home state Gujarat, where he will be treated to the traditional khaman dhoklas and a walk by the river Sabarmati.
Xi is the first Chinese head of state to visit India in eight years. Premier Li Keqiang made India his first overseas destination shortly after taking office last year.
After taking power in May, PM Modi spoke repeatedly to senior Chinese officials and during a recent visit to India, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi described the new relationship as "the emerging tip of a massive buried treasure."
China also plans to invest in industrial parks. The two countries signed a border cooperation pact to ensure peace at the Line of Actual Control until they can resolve the border dispute.
Recently, during a visit to Japan, Mr Modi took a swipe at China when he said foreign policy based on expansionism and maritime incursions are the signs of "18th-century" thought.
Xi won't be visiting long-time ally Pakistan, a move seen by many as evidence of growing Chinese ambivalence toward Pakistan.