Prime Narendra Modi left for China for a three-day visit.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi left tonight for a three-day visit to China, expressing confidence that the trip will deepen mutual trust and set a "new milestone" for Asia and the developing nations.
"I am looking forward to the trip to China... the 21st century belongs to Asia," he told the Chinese media.
He will reach Xian, the first stop of the visit, early on Thursday morning. The ancient city, where he will be accorded a ceremonial welcome after the manner of the Tang dynasty, is also the hometown of Chinese President Xi Xinping.
The trip, a break from protocol, is seen as a reciprocation for PM Modi's hosting the Chinese leader in his home state Gujarat eight months ago.The Prime Minister had personally taken President Xi for a tour at the Sabarmati riverfront in Ahmedabad.
The Prime Minister will visit the famous Wild Goose Pagoda of Xian, built in the honour of Buddhist monk Xuan Zang, who came to India in 645 AD by the ancient silk route. Buddhism was the earliest of cultural ties between the two countries and President Xi is expected to accompany the Prime Minister during the visit.
PM Modi will also visit the famous terracotta warriors' museum. Later in the day, he is expected to have a summit-level discussion with President Xi.The formal talks with the Chinese leadership will take place in Beijing on Friday.
Before leaving Delhi in the early hours of Thursday, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that the trip will help work out a roadmap for upgrading the bilateral economic ties. At the business stop in Shanghai, he will meet Chinese CEOs and the two countries are likely to sign more than 20 business agreements.
"I look forward to working out a roadmap for qualitatively upgrading our economic relations and seek greater Chinese participation in India's economic growth, especially in transforming India's manufacturing sector and infrastructure," he told China's state-run CCTV.
The Prime Minister is accompanied by a large delegation that includes Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.The two chief ministers will attend the first meeting of the India-China State and Provincial Leaders' Forum.