Xi-Modi chemistry to help ease border tensions: diplomat

The "strong chemistry" between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Chinese leadership, particularly President Xi Jinping, will help in addressing sensitive issues, including calming down border tensions, Chinese ambassador to India Le Yucheng said on Monday.

The top diplomat was in Goa, along with officials of the China India Business, Investment and Incubation Centre, to address Goan businessmen about the growing need for co-operation between the two countries and mutual business opportunities.

"Certainly the chemistry between our leaders have helped to improve our relations to strengthen the mutual trust... to address the problems and sensitive issues including the border issues," Yucheng said, when asked if the bonhomie between the Indian and Chinese leaders could help lessen tensions along the Sino-Indian border.

The ambassador recounted several instances which, according to him, indicated strong chemistry between leaders of both countries.

"Our two leaders over the past year have met five times... Last September, when our president visited India, he first arrived in Gujarat, and the two leaders showed strong chemistry.

"Apart from the official functions, they operated the weaving machine, sat on a swing and walked along the river front," he said, referring to Xi's visit to India last year.

The ambassador said when Modi visited China in May this year, Xi reciprocated Modi's gesture, by walking him around the ancient town of Xian.

"Modi and the Chinese premier also took a selfie, which impressed the media and the press," he said.