PM Modi, Prez Xi pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Sabarmati Ashram

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping today visited the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, where they paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.

The visiting Chinese president was shown around the ashram by Prime Minister Modi. He was also presented with mementos on the occasion, including Mahatma Gandhi's painting.

President Xi, who is on a three-day visit to India, was earlier today received by Prime Minister Modi at a hotel, where the Prime Minister also presented a bouquet of flowers to both the Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan. The two leaders shook hands with each other and exchanged brief pleasantries.

Earlier on his arrival, the Chinese President was received by Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel and her Cabinet colleagues at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport here.

The visit is expected to focus largely on ramping up bilateral trade and investment, besides addressing the contentious border issue between the two Asian giants.

India expects that the visit will address the 'interests and concerns' of both the countries and that 'all substantive' issues having bearing on the ties including the boundary dispute will be discussed.

Keen to boost its trade ties with India, the Chinese side has already indicated that it will pledge to invest billions of dollars in India's railway, manufacturing and infrastructure projects during the Chinese President's visit.