HAMBURG, July 7 - Notwithstanding a standoff between their armies, India said today that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping shook hands and had a conversation on a �range of issues� at an informal meeting of BRIC leaders.
The interaction between Modi and Xi took place on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit, even as tensions remain high between India and China in the Sikkim section.
In a tweet, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said Modi and Xi discussed �a range of issues� at the BRICS leaders� informal gathering in Hamburg �hosted by China.� He did not elaborate on the issues discussed. The ministry also tweeted a photograph of Modi and Xi shaking hands.
The informal interaction comes a day after a top Chinese foreign ministry official said the �atmosphere� is �not right� for a formal bilateral meeting between Modi and Xi in Hamburg.
Later, in an address to BRICS leaders, Modi �appreciated� momentum in the bloc under the Chinese chairmanship and extended full cooperation for the grouping�s upcoming summit to be hosted by Beijing. He extended full cooperation to China for the next BRICS summit in Xiamen later this year. �Under Xi�s chairmanship, the progress and positive momentum of BRICS has further deepened our cooperation,� Modi said.
In his speech, Xi also appreciated the momentum witnessed at the BRICS bloc during India�s chairmanship before it was passed on to China, and praised India�s strong resolve against terrorism, the press release said. � PTI
