In Pics: PM Modi Turns Tourist Guide, Takes Chinese President Xi around Tamil Nadu's Mahabalipuram

In Pics: PM Modi Turns Tourist Guide, Takes Chinese President Xi around Mahabalipuram

PM Modi, dressed in a Tamil attire of ‘Veshti’ (Dhoti), white shirt and an 'angavastram' (shawl), took Xi for a guided tour of the famous world heritage sites of Arjuna’s Penance, Krishna’s Butterball, the Pancha Ratha and Shore temple in this ancient temple town, kicking off the second informal summit between the two leaders.

In Pics: PM Modi Turns Tourist Guide, Takes Chinese President Xi around Mahabalipuram

Xi’s visit to India comes two days after he held talks with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan in Beijing. After the talks, a joint statement said China is paying “close attention” to the situation in Kashmir and that the issue should be properly and peacefully resolved based on the UN Charter. The comments evoked sharp reaction from New Delhi.

In Pics: PM Modi Turns Tourist Guide, Takes Chinese President Xi around Mahabalipuram

Shortly after Xi's aircraft touched down in Chennai, government sources said the two leaders are expected to issue some directions at the end of the summit on Saturday as they did after the first edition of new format of engagement in Chinese city of Wuhan last year.

In Pics: PM Modi Turns Tourist Guide, Takes Chinese President Xi around Mahabalipuram

In the footage beamed by public broadcaster Doordarshan of the two leaders visiting the magnificent monuments, Modi was seen warmly explaining to the Chinese leader the historical significance of the monuments with the dazzling setting sun casting a soft glow over the iconic site.

In Pics: PM Modi Turns Tourist Guide, Takes Chinese President Xi around Mahabalipuram

Xi, wearing a white shirt and black trouser, was seen showing keen interest in the famous caves and stone sculptures in the heritage site in this coastal town which had historical links with China’s Fujian province.

In Pics: PM Modi Turns Tourist Guide, Takes Chinese President Xi around Mahabalipuram

PM Modi and Xi, assisted by one translator from each side, sat down for around 15 minutes at Pancha Ratha complex, an example of monolithic Indian rock-cut architecture, and engaged in casual talks while sipping coconut water - images reflecting warmth in personal chemistry between the two leaders of two emerging economies.

In Pics: PM Modi Turns Tourist Guide, Takes Chinese President Xi around Mahabalipuram

After the event, Modi hosted Xi for a private dinner at the Shore temple complex which was beautifully decorated with lights and flowers. Eight delegates from each side were also invited for the dinner and they sat in tables little away from Xi and Modi’s. Delicately selected authentic Tamil cuisines including vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes were served in the dinner.