Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Chinese President Xi Jinping at Xi'an in China. (Agence France-Presse)
During his 90-minute talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised a series of stress points for their countries, including how China issues visas to applicants from Arunachal Pradesh, which it claims as Southern Tibet.
Sources said the PM raised India's objections to visas being stapled to the passports of Arunachal residents, instead of stamps within.
A map of India carried on state-run China television channel CCTV removed Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh, raising a controversy on Twitter.
Sources tell NDTV Mr Modi also shared concerns with President Xi about the $46 billion economic corridor that China is building through Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.
Sources say that on the contentious issues, there was a free and candid exchange of views.
"It was very substantive and I would say the atmosphere was very comfortable, so in a sense it was building on the chemistry between the two of them that started last September... on the political side, there was a lot of discussion on strengthening trust and increasing convergence. Political issues were discussed, boundary issues were discussed, including peace and tranquility on the border," said Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar.
In a major departure from protocol by the Chinese leadership, the PM became the first world leader to be hosted outside Beijing - at President Jinping's hometown of Xi'an.
In his opening remarks, PM Modi, wearing a black
bandhgala suit, expressed his appreciation for the President's gesture. "This is an honour to 125 crore Indians whom I am representing as Prime Minister," he said.
Last year, when President Xi visited India, he met with the PM in his home state of Gujarat, an encounter that was referred to today. "You received me very warmly in your hometown. I am very glad to receive you in my hometown," said the Chinese leader.
The focus now shifts to Beijing tomorrow where the PM 's talks are expected to yield trade agreements worth $10 billion.