My friendship with Xi is 'plus one': Modi

PM recalled Xi's telephonic talk with him after winning general elections and how the Chinese President had surprised him by naming the village in which he was born

Describing his rapport with President Xi Jinping as "plus one", Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said he shares a close friendship with the top Chinese leader and their meeting reflected affinity and closeness.

"Two heads of states are meeting with such affinity, closeness and companionship, which is 'plus one', better than the traditional talks of global relations and to understand and appreciate this 'plus one' friendship will take time for many," Modi said while addressing the gathering of about 5,000 Indian-origin people here.

"I think China and India hold special responsibilities for the betterment of mankind. To fulfil this responsibility, India and China will have to move together," he said.

Modi also recalled Xi's telephonic conversation with him after winning the general election and how the Chinese President had surprised him by naming the village in which he was born.

"When I won (the general elections), then Xi told me about the find in my village. He came to India and to Ahmedabad, but unfortunately he could not come to Vadnagar," said Modi. "President Xi told me that 'when Hieun Tsang returned from your gaon (village), he came and settled in my gaon'.

President Xi took me to the temple and showed me the description of my city (Vadnagar) written in Chinese script by Hieun Tsang," said Modi.

Xi received Modi in Xi'an in a departure from protocol which was seen as a reciprocal gesture by the Chinese leader who was hosted by Modi in Ahmedabad when he visited India last September.