Modi in China LIVE updates: PM arrives in Wuhan for informal talks with Xi Jinping

The prime minister is expected to hold one-to-one talks with the Chinese president where they will focus on global, regional and bilateral issues.

PM Narendra Modi on Friday arrived at Central China's Wuhan city for a two-day "heart-to-heart" summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The prime minister is expected to hold one-to-one talks with the Chinese president where they will focus on global, regional and bilateral issues. However, as per officials, no agreement would be signed during the informal talks. 

"A special moment past midnight as PM @narendramodi was warmly welcomed in Wuhan for the 1st Informal Summit with Chinese President Xi. The two leaders will review the developments in our bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. 

Some experts are of the view that the visit could reset a complicated India-China relationship that faced several tests last year, including a tense border standoff in Doklam.

HERE ARE THE LIVE UPDATES:

#The meeting comes in the backdrop of the efforts made by both India and China to move past the tensions, which rose out of last year's 73-day Doklam standoff.

#PM Modi will commence his meetings with Chinese President Xi at 3:30 pm on Friday at the Hubei Provincial Museum.

#Though, the details of the informal summit was not disclosed but officials said it includes walks by the two leaders in the East Lake where they will have a boat ride and take walks. 

# After touring the museum for about an hour, the two leaders, accompanied by six top officials from each side, will hold talks at the sprawling East Lake Guest House, where Xi is staying.

#In a pre-departure statement, Prime Minister Modi said he and President Xi will review the developments in Sino-Indian relations from a strategic and long-term perspective. "President Xi and I will exchange views on a range of issues of bilateral and global importance. We will discuss our respective visions and priorities for national development, particularly in the context of current and future international situation," Modi said. 

#Ahead of the summit, China said the arrangements being made for Modi's stay in Wuhan would go beyond the expectations of the Indian side and the informal summit could be a new starting point.