India and China agreed to cooperate in several areas on Monday, during India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar's meeting with his counterpart Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi.&nbsp;

The visit is a preparatory visit for the second informal summit between Indian Prime minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping which will take place on October 11 in Varanasi. The first informal summit between the two leaders had taken place in April 2018 at Wuhan.

During the joint press conference with Wang Yi, Jaishanker said: "Wuhan was a historic meeting that has provided positive direction to our relations", adding, "there has been progress in overall relationship. The two countries agree that maintenance of peace and tranquillity in the border areas is essential for the smooth development of our relations."

Beijing has offered to expand Mansarovar Yatra and said it is aware of India's call for greater access to domestic Chinese market.

"We are of the view that we need to deepen our cooperation," China's foreign minister said, adding, "we stand ready to provide facilities to Indian exports to China".

Jaishanker is in the Chinese capital for a three-day visit to participate in the India-China high-level mechanism to increase cultural and people-to-people exchanges. It was part of the informal agreement between PM Modi and President Xi at the Wuhan Summit.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/eam-s-jaishankar-hold-talks-with-chinese-foreign-minister-wang-yi-242368/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Jaishanker's meeting on Monday took place in the backdrop of New Delhi's decision to remove the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir which cropped up during the Jaishankar-Wang discussions.

The Chinese foreign minister said: "There are some differences between our two countries, we don't shy away from those differences. We exchanged view on those matters in a candid manner regarding recent tensions between India and Pak, we made clear China's concerns and issues regarding China's sovereignty, we stated China's principled position."&nbsp;

Jaishankar called for "mutual sensitivity to each other’s core concerns" and "properly managing differences" vital for India-China relations.&nbsp;

"As our leaders agreed in Astana, differences should not become disputes. That is how India-China relations can remain a factor of stability in an uncertain world," he said.

Meanwhile, China has called for Indian support to "pushback unilateralism, protectionism with concrete action" and "safeguard the status of China and India as developing countries" even as Bejing faces Washington's ire on the trade front.

Both sides also concluded four MoUs on promoting cultural exchanges, enhancing cooperation in the field of traditional medicine, promoting exchanges between national sports associations and cooperation in museum management.&nbsp;

The two foreign ministries have agreed on a plan of action for bilateral engagements for the year 2020 which marks 70 years of establishment of diplomatic ties.

Jaishanker will be calling the Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday morning before leaving for Delhi. He called on Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan on Monday morning.

India and China agreed to cooperate in several areas on Monday, during India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar's meeting with his counterpart Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi.

India and China agreed to cooperate in several areas on Monday, during India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar's meeting with his counterpart Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi. The visit is a preparatory visit for the second informal summit between Indian Prime minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping which will take place on October 11 in Varanasi. The first informal summit between the two leaders had taken place in April 2018 at Wuhan. During the joint press conference with Wang Yi, Jaishanker said: "Wuhan was a historic meeting that has provided positive direction to our relations", adding, "there has been progress in overall relationship. The two countries agree that maintenance of peace and tranquillity in the border areas is essential for the smooth development of our relations." Beijing has offered to expand Mansarovar Yatra and said it is aware of India's call for greater access to domestic Chinese market. "We are of the view that we need to deepen our cooperation," China's foreign minister said, adding, "we stand ready to provide facilities to Indian exports to China". Jaishanker is in the Chinese capital for a three-day visit to participate in the India-China high-level mechanism to increase cultural and people-to-people exchanges. It was part of the informal agreement between PM Modi and President Xi at the Wuhan Summit. Watch Video: Jaishanker's meeting on Monday took place in the backdrop of New Delhi's decision to remove the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir which cropped up during the Jaishankar-Wang discussions. The Chinese foreign minister said: "There are some differences between our two countries, we don't shy away from those differences. We exchanged view on those matters in a candid manner regarding recent tensions between India and Pak, we made clear China's concerns and issues regarding China's sovereignty, we stated China's principled position." Jaishankar called for "mutual sensitivity to each other’s core concerns" and "properly managing differences" vital for India-China relations. "As our leaders agreed in Astana, differences should not become disputes. That is how India-China relations can remain a factor of stability in an uncertain world," he said. Meanwhile, China has called for Indian support to "pushback unilateralism, protectionism with concrete action" and "safeguard the status of China and India as developing countries" even as Bejing faces Washington's ire on the trade front. Both sides also concluded four MoUs on promoting cultural exchanges, enhancing cooperation in the field of traditional medicine, promoting exchanges between national sports associations and cooperation in museum management. The two foreign ministries have agreed on a plan of action for bilateral engagements for the year 2020 which marks 70 years of establishment of diplomatic ties. Jaishanker will be calling the Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday morning before leaving for Delhi. He called on Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan on Monday morning.

PM Modi, President Xi to meet in Varanasi on October 11

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday told Chinese President Xi Jinping that the relationship between the two countries has strengthened.

PM Modi and Xi held a bilateral talks on the sidelines of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-holds-bilateral-talks-with-chinese-president-xi-jinping-on-sco-sidelines-226851">SCO summit</a> in Kyrgyzstan. This was the first meeting between the two leaders after Modi's re-election following the stunning victory of the BJP in the general elections in India last month.

The meeting began with President Xi congratulating Prime Minister Modi over his election victory.

"After the election results in India, I got your message, and today again you wish me on the victory, I am very grateful to you for this," Modi replied.

PM Modi also mentioned about Wuhan informal summit and said there has been "improvement in strategic communication" between the two countries after the summit.&nbsp;

"After our meeting in Wuhan, we have seen a new momentum and stability in our relations. There has been a rapid progress in the strategic communication between the two sides, leading to be more sensitive towards each other's concerns and interests. And there has been new areas for further cooperation since then," Modi told Xi.

Watch: MEA briefing on Modi-Xi meeting

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/19th-sco-summit-pm-modi-meets-xi-jinping-for-first-bilateral-meeting-226904/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The 2018 Wuhan summit between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi was largely credited to have turned around the bilateral relations soured by the 73-day Doklam stand-off, triggered by Chinese troops attempts to build a road close to Indian border in an area also claimed by Bhutan in 2017.

After the Wuhan summit, both the countries stepped up efforts to improve relations on different spheres including the military-to-military ties.

Modi also wished Chinese President Xi Jinping happy birthday during the meeting. The Chinese leader celebrates his 66th birthday on June 15.

This was the first meeting of Modi with the Chinese leader in 2019. This also was the first meeting of Modi and Xi after the listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist.&nbsp;

The two leaders have met more than 10 times in the last five years, out of which four meetings happened in 2018, starting with informal Wuhan summit in April followed by bilateral meetings on the sidelines of SCO, BRICS and G20. The Chinese president will be coming to India later this year for the second informal summit.

On Friday, PM will participate at the SCO meet in the morning and will have a bilateral meeting with Iran's President Hassan Rouhani and&nbsp;Kyrgyzstan's President Sooronbay Jeenbekov. He will also have many pull-aside meeting with leaders of several countries but no pull aside with Pakistan Prime Minister&nbsp;Imran Khan is expected.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday told Chinese President Xi Jinping that the relationship between the two countries has strengthened. PM Modi and Xi held a bilateral talks on the sidelines of SCO summit in Kyrgyzstan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday told Chinese President Xi Jinping that the relationship between the two countries has strengthened. PM Modi and Xi held a bilateral talks on the sidelines of SCO summit in Kyrgyzstan. This was the first meeting between the two leaders after Modi's re-election following the stunning victory of the BJP in the general elections in India last month. The meeting began with President Xi congratulating Prime Minister Modi over his election victory. "After the election results in India, I got your message, and today again you wish me on the victory, I am very grateful to you for this," Modi replied. PM Modi also mentioned about Wuhan informal summit and said there has been "improvement in strategic communication" between the two countries after the summit. "After our meeting in Wuhan, we have seen a new momentum and stability in our relations. There has been a rapid progress in the strategic communication between the two sides, leading to be more sensitive towards each other's concerns and interests. And there has been new areas for further cooperation since then," Modi told Xi. Watch: MEA briefing on Modi-Xi meeting The 2018 Wuhan summit between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi was largely credited to have turned around the bilateral relations soured by the 73-day Doklam stand-off, triggered by Chinese troops attempts to build a road close to Indian border in an area also claimed by Bhutan in 2017. After the Wuhan summit, both the countries stepped up efforts to improve relations on different spheres including the military-to-military ties. Modi also wished Chinese President Xi Jinping happy birthday during the meeting. The Chinese leader celebrates his 66th birthday on June 15. This was the first meeting of Modi with the Chinese leader in 2019. This also was the first meeting of Modi and Xi after the listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist. The two leaders have met more than 10 times in the last five years, out of which four meetings happened in 2018, starting with informal Wuhan summit in April followed by bilateral meetings on the sidelines of SCO, BRICS and G20. The Chinese president will be coming to India later this year for the second informal summit. On Friday, PM will participate at the SCO meet in the morning and will have a bilateral meeting with Iran's President Hassan Rouhani and Kyrgyzstan's President Sooronbay Jeenbekov. He will also have many pull-aside meeting with leaders of several countries but no pull aside with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is expected.

Wuhan provided 'stability and momentum' to India-China ties: PM Modi to Xi Jinping

A United States intelligence report has warned terror attacks in India and Afghanistan due to "safe havens" provided to militants by Pakistan.&nbsp;

The "worldwide threat assessment of US intelligence community" report released by "The office of the director of national intelligence" said, "militant groups supported by Pakistan will continue to take advantage of their "safe haven"&nbsp;in Pakistan to plan and conduct attacks in India and Afghanistan, including against US interests."

Coming out strongly against "Islamabad’s narrow approach to counterterrorism cooperation" by "using some groups as policy tools and confronting only the militant groups that directly threaten Pakistan", the report said, will certainly "frustrate US counterterrorism efforts against the Taliban."

The report comes even as the US has been engaged with Taliban for a pact that will see <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-peace-talks-arab-divide-shadows-the-talks-as-us-says-negotiations-will-continue-193946">American troops leave Afghanistan </a>after 17 years. On the situation in Afghanistan, the report assesses a stalemate between the Afghan government and the Taliban in the coming year in terms of making any gains "if coalition support remains at current levels."

Lauding the Afghan forces, it said it has been able to "secure cities and other government strongholds" but the Taliban has "increased large-scale attacks".

Indo-Pak ties

The 42-page report doesn't see a major breakthrough in India-Pakistan ties. It listed "cross-border terrorism, firing across the Line of Control (LoC), divisive national elections in India, and Islamabad’s perception of its position with the United States relative to India" as the main factors that is contributing to "strained" Indo-Pak ties at least till May, 2019 when India's elections get over.

It further adds,"continued terrorist attacks and cross-border firing in Kashmir" has hardened "each country’s position" and "reduced their political will to seek rapprochement".

In November last year, both countries agreed to build Kartarpur corridor so that Indian pilgrims can visit the holy Gurudwara at Kartarpur, where the founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak stayed for 18 years. It is expected to be opened this year to celebrate the 550th anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji.

India-China ties

On India-China ties the report was gloomy saying that relations will remain tense despite "efforts on both sides to manage tensions." It said "misperceptions of military movements or construction" might result in tensions "escalating into armed conflict."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met four times in 2018 starting with the famous Wuhan Summit in April. In 2019, Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit India for the second informal summit. 2017 was a tense year for Sino India ties as the Chinese army sought to build a road in the Doklam area of Bhutan which was repelled by the Indian Army leading to a 73-day standoff.

Indian elections

The report also spoke on the Indian general elections saying that if the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP) stresses on "Hindu nationalist themes" it might result in "the possibility of communal violence". It added, communal clashes "could alienate Indian Muslims and allow Islamist terrorist groups in India to expand their influence."

A United States intelligence report has warned terror attacks in India and Afghanistan due to "safe havens" provided to militants by Pakistan. The "worldwide threat assessment of US intelligence community" report released by "The office of the director of national intelligence" said, "militant groups supported by Pakistan will continue to take advantage of their "safe haven" in Pakistan to plan and conduct attacks in India and Afghanistan, including against US interests.

A United States intelligence report has warned terror attacks in India and Afghanistan due to "safe havens" provided to militants by Pakistan. The "worldwide threat assessment of US intelligence community" report released by "The office of the director of national intelligence" said, "militant groups supported by Pakistan will continue to take advantage of their "safe haven" in Pakistan to plan and conduct attacks in India and Afghanistan, including against US interests." Coming out strongly against "Islamabad’s narrow approach to counterterrorism cooperation" by "using some groups as policy tools and confronting only the militant groups that directly threaten Pakistan", the report said, will certainly "frustrate US counterterrorism efforts against the Taliban." The report comes even as the US has been engaged with Taliban for a pact that will see American troops leave Afghanistan after 17 years. On the situation in Afghanistan, the report assesses a stalemate between the Afghan government and the Taliban in the coming year in terms of making any gains "if coalition support remains at current levels." Lauding the Afghan forces, it said it has been able to "secure cities and other government strongholds" but the Taliban has "increased large-scale attacks". Indo-Pak ties The 42-page report doesn't see a major breakthrough in India-Pakistan ties. It listed "cross-border terrorism, firing across the Line of Control (LoC), divisive national elections in India, and Islamabad’s perception of its position with the United States relative to India" as the main factors that is contributing to "strained" Indo-Pak ties at least till May, 2019 when India's elections get over. It further adds,"continued terrorist attacks and cross-border firing in Kashmir" has hardened "each country’s position" and "reduced their political will to seek rapprochement". In November last year, both countries agreed to build Kartarpur corridor so that Indian pilgrims can visit the holy Gurudwara at Kartarpur, where the founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak stayed for 18 years. It is expected to be opened this year to celebrate the 550th anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji. India-China ties On India-China ties the report was gloomy saying that relations will remain tense despite "efforts on both sides to manage tensions." It said "misperceptions of military movements or construction" might result in tensions "escalating into armed conflict." Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met four times in 2018 starting with the famous Wuhan Summit in April. In 2019, Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit India for the second informal summit. 2017 was a tense year for Sino India ties as the Chinese army sought to build a road in the Doklam area of Bhutan which was repelled by the Indian Army leading to a 73-day standoff. Indian elections The report also spoke on the Indian general elections saying that if the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP) stresses on "Hindu nationalist themes" it might result in "the possibility of communal violence". It added, communal clashes "could alienate Indian Muslims and allow Islamist terrorist groups in India to expand their influence."

Militant groups supported by Pak will continue to conduct attacks on India, Afghanistan: US intelligence report

As China's foreign minister Wang Yi arrived in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/g20-pm-modi-invites-president-xi-to-india-for-next-informal-summit-180529">India on a four-day visit</a> in the early morning hours on Friday, Tibetan activists put massive banner on the flyover outside the T3 international airport in New Delhi asking China to leave Tibet.

The convoy of the Chinese foreign minister passed through the same route where the banners were put. Wang Yi arrived in India at 1:30 am(IST).

Wang Yi will be meeting external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj today and will inaugurate the first India-China high-level media forum.

On Thursday, China in a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tibetans-ready-to-be-part-of-china-if-allowed-to-preserve-culture-dalai-lama-158386">statement had said it "resolutely opposes"</a> President Trump's decision to sign the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act. The act allows access to Tibet for US diplomats and other officials, journalists and other citizens by denying US entry for Chinese officials deemed responsible for restricting access to Tibet.

China had annexed Tibet in 1950 leading spiritual leader the Dalai Lama to flee to Dharamsala in India in 1959. In July, the Dalai Lama celebrated his 83rd birthday in &nbsp;Ladakh on the outskirts of Leh. Reports at the time said Chinese authorities had placed restrictions on celebrations of Lama's birthday inside Tibet.

Tibetans in Kardze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture were warned against celebration by Beijing, local news reports said even as three people were detained for carrying out activities related to the birthday celebration.

The Chinese foreign minister's visit comes with both government determined to push cultural and people-to-people exchange between the two countries. The decision to establish a "special mechanism" was taken during the "informal" summit between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi in Wuhan.

Wang Yi will also visit Aurangabad and Mumbai and sign MoU's with the Indian government during his visit. The Chinese foreign minister's visit is being seen as a step forward in India-China relations post-Doklam after PM Modi and President Xi reaffirmed their commitment to cement ties several times this year during their meetings.

As China's foreign minister Wang Yi arrived in India on a four-day visit in the early morning hours on Friday, Tibetan activists put massive banner on the flyover outside the T3 international airport in New Delhi asking China to leave Tibet.

As China's foreign minister Wang Yi arrived in India on a four-day visit in the early morning hours on Friday, Tibetan activists put massive banner on the flyover outside the T3 international airport in New Delhi asking China to leave Tibet. The convoy of the Chinese foreign minister passed through the same route where the banners were put. Wang Yi arrived in India at 1:30 am(IST). Wang Yi will be meeting external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj today and will inaugurate the first India-China high-level media forum. On Thursday, China in a statement had said it "resolutely opposes" President Trump's decision to sign the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act. The act allows access to Tibet for US diplomats and other officials, journalists and other citizens by denying US entry for Chinese officials deemed responsible for restricting access to Tibet. China had annexed Tibet in 1950 leading spiritual leader the Dalai Lama to flee to Dharamsala in India in 1959. In July, the Dalai Lama celebrated his 83rd birthday in Ladakh on the outskirts of Leh. Reports at the time said Chinese authorities had placed restrictions on celebrations of Lama's birthday inside Tibet. Tibetans in Kardze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture were warned against celebration by Beijing, local news reports said even as three people were detained for carrying out activities related to the birthday celebration. The Chinese foreign minister's visit comes with both government determined to push cultural and people-to-people exchange between the two countries. The decision to establish a "special mechanism" was taken during the "informal" summit between PM Modi and Chinese President Xi in Wuhan. Wang Yi will also visit Aurangabad and Mumbai and sign MoU's with the Indian government during his visit. The Chinese foreign minister's visit is being seen as a step forward in India-China relations post-Doklam after PM Modi and President Xi reaffirmed their commitment to cement ties several times this year during their meetings.

Video: Tibetan activists protest as Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi arrives in India

China's ambassador to India Luo Zhaohui said today that Chinese President Xi Jinping will be meeting PM Modi at the G20 summit&nbsp;in Argentina next month.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-xis-chai-pe-charcha-on-wuhan-lake-133368">Also Read:&nbsp;PM Modi-Xi's 'chai pe </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-xis-chai-pe-charcha-on-wuhan-lake-133368">charcha</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-xis-chai-pe-charcha-on-wuhan-lake-133368">' on Wuhan lake</a> 
‏ 
Zhaohui said India and China are both against terrorism.

The Chinese ambassador asserted that &nbsp;China and India share a common interest on Afghanistan. "We hope Afghanistan has peace," he said.

PM Modi has already met President Xi three times in the past year. PM Modi and President Xi had met in Wuhan during the "informal summit" in April to further ties between the two countries which was stained by the 73-day standoff at Doklam.

The Indian prime minister and President Xi exchanged views during the &nbsp;BRICS summit in Johannesburg. In June, both leaders had met at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO) meeting in the Chinese city of Qingdao.

Amid the escalating trade war with US, the Chinese embassy had said last week that India and China need to deepen cooperation to fight trade protectionism.&nbsp;

“As the two largest developing countries and major emerging markets, China and India are both in the vital stage of deepening reform and developing economy, and both need stable external environment,” said Counselor Ji Rong, spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in India had said. &nbsp; &nbsp;

“Under the current circumstances, China and India need to deepen their cooperation to fight trade protectionism,” Ji added.

President Trump has imposed tariffs worth $200 billion on Chinese goods and threatened to impose tariffs against all goods entering the US if China does not agree to US demands which include narrowing the trade deficit among other stringent demands.

“Facing unilateralism and bullying activities, China and India have more reasons to join efforts to build a more just and reasonable international order,” Ji had said last week.

China's ambassador to India Luo Zhaohui said today that Chinese President Xi Jinping will be meeting PM Modi at the G20 summit in Argentina next month. Also Read: PM Modi-Xi's 'chai pe charcha' on Wuhan lake ‏ Zhaohui said India and China are both against terrorism.

China's ambassador to India Luo Zhaohui said today that Chinese President Xi Jinping will be meeting PM Modi at the G20 summit in Argentina next month. Also Read: PM Modi-Xi's 'chai pe charcha' on Wuhan lake ‏ Zhaohui said India and China are both against terrorism. The Chinese ambassador asserted that China and India share a common interest on Afghanistan. "We hope Afghanistan has peace," he said. PM Modi has already met President Xi three times in the past year. PM Modi and President Xi had met in Wuhan during the "informal summit" in April to further ties between the two countries which was stained by the 73-day standoff at Doklam. The Indian prime minister and President Xi exchanged views during the BRICS summit in Johannesburg. In June, both leaders had met at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO) meeting in the Chinese city of Qingdao. Amid the escalating trade war with US, the Chinese embassy had said last week that India and China need to deepen cooperation to fight trade protectionism. “As the two largest developing countries and major emerging markets, China and India are both in the vital stage of deepening reform and developing economy, and both need stable external environment,” said Counselor Ji Rong, spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in India had said. “Under the current circumstances, China and India need to deepen their cooperation to fight trade protectionism,” Ji added. President Trump has imposed tariffs worth $200 billion on Chinese goods and threatened to impose tariffs against all goods entering the US if China does not agree to US demands which include narrowing the trade deficit among other stringent demands. “Facing unilateralism and bullying activities, China and India have more reasons to join efforts to build a more just and reasonable international order,” Ji had said last week.

PM Modi, President Xi to meet next month during G20 summit in Argentina

China and India on Saturday settled a dispute over the flood-prone Brahmaputra river that flows from Tibet to Bangladesh in a sign of growing cooperation between them.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping signed the agreement as they began the two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.

"Our talks will add further vigour to the India-China friendship," Modi said on Twitter, as the two countries try to reset troubled ties months after a border standoff.

The SCO, launched in 2001 mainly to combat radical Islam and other security concerns across Central Asia, added traditional rivals India and Pakistan as members last year.

Under two deals signed on the sidelines of the SCO summit on Saturday, China will share hydrological data on the Brahmaputra river and amend certain requirements on Indian exports of rice other than the premium Basmati variety to China, India's foreign ministry spokesman, Raveesh Kumar, said on Twitter.

India said last year that China had not stuck to an agreement to share hydrological data, or scientific information on the movement, distribution and quality of water for the Brahmaputra river. China had cited "technological" reasons.

New Delhi has also been concerned about the rising trade deficit with China, and has sought greater access to the world's second-largest economy for products such as rice, rapeseed, soybeans and sugar.

India's trade gap with China has widened to $51 billion, a nine-fold increase over the past decade.

The rice deal should help India finally crack the market in China, the world's biggest buyer of the commodity, traders said.

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation estimates that China will buy 6.4 million tonnes of rice in 2018, while India will export a total of 11.9 million tonnes.

"Despite competitive prices, India was unable to export rice to China due to their phytosanitary norms," said a New Delhi based dealer with a global trading firm, referring to food standards as well as animal and plant hygiene.

"As the norms are going to change, India can easily export more than 1 million tonnes rice every year to China."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping signed the agreement as they began the two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.

China and India on Saturday settled a dispute over the flood-prone Brahmaputra river that flows from Tibet to Bangladesh in a sign of growing cooperation between them. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping signed the agreement as they began the two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. "Our talks will add further vigour to the India-China friendship," Modi said on Twitter, as the two countries try to reset troubled ties months after a border standoff. The SCO, launched in 2001 mainly to combat radical Islam and other security concerns across Central Asia, added traditional rivals India and Pakistan as members last year. Under two deals signed on the sidelines of the SCO summit on Saturday, China will share hydrological data on the Brahmaputra river and amend certain requirements on Indian exports of rice other than the premium Basmati variety to China, India's foreign ministry spokesman, Raveesh Kumar, said on Twitter. India said last year that China had not stuck to an agreement to share hydrological data, or scientific information on the movement, distribution and quality of water for the Brahmaputra river. China had cited "technological" reasons. New Delhi has also been concerned about the rising trade deficit with China, and has sought greater access to the world's second-largest economy for products such as rice, rapeseed, soybeans and sugar. India's trade gap with China has widened to $51 billion, a nine-fold increase over the past decade. The rice deal should help India finally crack the market in China, the world's biggest buyer of the commodity, traders said. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation estimates that China will buy 6.4 million tonnes of rice in 2018, while India will export a total of 11.9 million tonnes. "Despite competitive prices, India was unable to export rice to China due to their phytosanitary norms," said a New Delhi based dealer with a global trading firm, referring to food standards as well as animal and plant hygiene. "As the norms are going to change, India can easily export more than 1 million tonnes rice every year to China."

India strikes river, rice deals with China as relations thaw

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said he had detailed discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping on bilateral and global issues which will add further vigour to the India-China friendship after their informal summit in Wuhan.

During their meeting, which came nearly six weeks since the Wuhan summit, the two leaders discussed a blueprint for deepening bilateral relationship and reviewed the implementation of decisions they had taken in the central Chinese city.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit and covered key aspects of the bilateral engagement, reflecting the resolve by the two countries to reset relations and bring back trust in their ties which was hit by the Doklam standoff and several other thorny issues.&nbsp;

"Met this year's SCO host, President Xi Jinping this evening. We had detailed discussions on bilateral and global issues. Our talks will add further vigour to the India-China friendship," Modi tweeted after the meeting.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar described the meeting as "warm" and "forward-looking" while Chinese envoy to India Luo Zhaohui said the two leaders focused on the implementation of the "Wuhan consensus" and drawing a blueprint for the future Sino-India relations.

An MoU on sharing hydrological information of the Brahmaputra river by China to India and another pact on the amendment of the protocol on phytosanitary requirements for exporting rice from India to China to include non-Basmati rice were signed after the Modi-Xi talks.&nbsp;

"Further strengthening the positive momentum in the bilateral relationship generated at the Wuhan informal summit, PM Narendra Modi had a warm and forward-looking meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the SCO Summit," Kumar tweeted.

The meeting between the leaders of two Asian powers came after their informal summit in the Chinese city of Wuhan to solidify the relationship in a broad spectrum of areas and ensuring better coordination between the border guarding forces of the two countries after the Doklam standoff.

After their talks in Wuhan, Modi and Xi had decided to issue "strategic guidance" to their militaries to strengthen communications to build trust and understanding as part of efforts to avoid a Doklam-like situation in the future.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Further strengthening the positive momentum in the bilateral relationship generated at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wuhan?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wuhan</a> Informal Summit, PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> had a warm and forward looking meeting with Chinese President <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/XiJinping?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#XiJinping</a> on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiainSCO?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiainSCO</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SCOSummit?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SCOSummit</a> <a href="https://t.co/8fOGULpnLS">pic.twitter.com/8fOGULpnLS</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1005420235753549824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The two leaders had also discussed ways to give impetus to their economic ties as well as people-to-people relations.

Luo said it was the 14th meeting between our two leaders over past four years.

Modi arrived here in the afternoon on a two-day visit to attend the annual SCO summit.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Following PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> meeting with Chinese President Xi, two MoUs were signed - Sharing hydrological information of Brahmaputra river by China to India& amendment of Protocol on phytosanitary requirements for exporting rice from India to China to include non-Basmati rice <a href="https://t.co/a9dg0Lu4pJ">pic.twitter.com/a9dg0Lu4pJ</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1005419392782426114?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The ties between the two neighbouring nuclear powers had nosedived following last year's Doklam standoff as well as due to a number of other issues including China blocking India's move to get Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar banned by the UN and its opposition to India's bid for the Nuclear Suppliers Group membership.

China's Belt and Road Initiative was also strongly opposed by India as part of it goes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Troops of India and China were locked in the 73-day standoff in Doklam since June 16 last year after the Indian side stopped the construction of a road by the Chinese Army in the disputed area. Bhutan and China have a dispute over Doklam. The face-off had ended on August 28.

However, there have been concerted efforts by both sides to reset ties leaving behind the Doklam episode.

Last week, Modi had said that Asia and the world will have a better future when India and China work together with trust and confidence while being sensitive to each other's interests. Modi also said that an "Asia of rivalry" will hold the region back while an Asia of cooperation will shape the current century.

The prime minister's comments at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore were appreciated by China.

China's appreciation of what Modi said was conveyed by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj during a meeting held on the sidelines of the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting in South Africa this week.&nbsp;

It is for the first time the Indian prime minister will be attending the SCO summit after India along with Pakistan became full-fledged members of the grouping last year.

The SCO currently has eight member countries which represents around 42 per cent of the world's population and 20 per cent of the global GDP.

India was an observer at the SCO since 2005 and has generally participated in the ministerial-level meetings of the grouping which focus mainly on security and economic cooperation in the Eurasian region.&nbsp;

During their meeting, which came nearly six weeks since the Wuhan summit, the two leaders discussed a blueprint for deepening bilateral relationship and reviewed the implementation of decisions they had taken in the central Chinese city.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said he had detailed discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping on bilateral and global issues which will add further vigour to the India-China friendship after their informal summit in Wuhan. During their meeting, which came nearly six weeks since the Wuhan summit, the two leaders discussed a blueprint for deepening bilateral relationship and reviewed the implementation of decisions they had taken in the central Chinese city. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit and covered key aspects of the bilateral engagement, reflecting the resolve by the two countries to reset relations and bring back trust in their ties which was hit by the Doklam standoff and several other thorny issues. "Met this year's SCO host, President Xi Jinping this evening. We had detailed discussions on bilateral and global issues. Our talks will add further vigour to the India-China friendship," Modi tweeted after the meeting. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar described the meeting as "warm" and "forward-looking" while Chinese envoy to India Luo Zhaohui said the two leaders focused on the implementation of the "Wuhan consensus" and drawing a blueprint for the future Sino-India relations. An MoU on sharing hydrological information of the Brahmaputra river by China to India and another pact on the amendment of the protocol on phytosanitary requirements for exporting rice from India to China to include non-Basmati rice were signed after the Modi-Xi talks. "Further strengthening the positive momentum in the bilateral relationship generated at the Wuhan informal summit, PM Narendra Modi had a warm and forward-looking meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the SCO Summit," Kumar tweeted. The meeting between the leaders of two Asian powers came after their informal summit in the Chinese city of Wuhan to solidify the relationship in a broad spectrum of areas and ensuring better coordination between the border guarding forces of the two countries after the Doklam standoff. After their talks in Wuhan, Modi and Xi had decided to issue "strategic guidance" to their militaries to strengthen communications to build trust and understanding as part of efforts to avoid a Doklam-like situation in the future. Further strengthening the positive momentum in the bilateral relationship generated at the #Wuhan Informal Summit, PM @narendramodi had a warm and forward looking meeting with Chinese President #XiJinping on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. #IndiainSCO #SCOSummit pic.twitter.com/8fOGULpnLS — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) June 9, 2018 × The two leaders had also discussed ways to give impetus to their economic ties as well as people-to-people relations. Luo said it was the 14th meeting between our two leaders over past four years. Modi arrived here in the afternoon on a two-day visit to attend the annual SCO summit. Following PM @narendramodi meeting with Chinese President Xi, two MoUs were signed - Sharing hydrological information of Brahmaputra river by China to India& amendment of Protocol on phytosanitary requirements for exporting rice from India to China to include non-Basmati rice pic.twitter.com/a9dg0Lu4pJ — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) June 9, 2018 × The ties between the two neighbouring nuclear powers had nosedived following last year's Doklam standoff as well as due to a number of other issues including China blocking India's move to get Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar banned by the UN and its opposition to India's bid for the Nuclear Suppliers Group membership. China's Belt and Road Initiative was also strongly opposed by India as part of it goes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Troops of India and China were locked in the 73-day standoff in Doklam since June 16 last year after the Indian side stopped the construction of a road by the Chinese Army in the disputed area. Bhutan and China have a dispute over Doklam. The face-off had ended on August 28. However, there have been concerted efforts by both sides to reset ties leaving behind the Doklam episode. Last week, Modi had said that Asia and the world will have a better future when India and China work together with trust and confidence while being sensitive to each other's interests. Modi also said that an "Asia of rivalry" will hold the region back while an Asia of cooperation will shape the current century. The prime minister's comments at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore were appreciated by China. China's appreciation of what Modi said was conveyed by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj during a meeting held on the sidelines of the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting in South Africa this week. It is for the first time the Indian prime minister will be attending the SCO summit after India along with Pakistan became full-fledged members of the grouping last year. The SCO currently has eight member countries which represents around 42 per cent of the world's population and 20 per cent of the global GDP. India was an observer at the SCO since 2005 and has generally participated in the ministerial-level meetings of the grouping which focus mainly on security and economic cooperation in the Eurasian region.

Modi says his meeting with Xi will add further vigour to India-China ties