PM Modi describes his China visit as 'milestone' for Asia, developing nations

Ahead of his visit to China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that this trip should be seen as a milestone achievement not only for bilateral relations between the two neighbouring countries, but for all of Asia and developing nations.

Prime Minister Modi added that India and China would give out the message of peace and harmony together as they had come a long way from the times of war.

"I believe that my visit to China will not only be good for our bilateral relations, but it will be a milestone for entire Asia and all developing nations of the world," the Prime Minister told China Central Television (CCTV) in an interview.

"This is the era of freedom from war. India and China will together give out the message of peace and harmony with power. This is the call of the hour," he added.

The Prime Minister pointed out that the Chinese President Xi Jinping had called to congratulate him when he took to the office of the Prime Minister.

"I have been looking forward to my visit to China. After I formed the government last year, the Chinese President called to congratulate me. We have met thrice in the last one year. I spoke to him in great

detail," he added.

Prime Minister Modi will leave for his six-day three nation tour on May 14. He will begin his visit from Xi'an, the capital of Shaanxi province.