Xi, Modi stroll on riverfront

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday took a stroll on the picturesque Sabarmati riverfront, sat on a swing and watched traditional folk dances of Gujarat.

The two leaders took a leisurely stroll on the riverfront, which looked resplendent.

Xi arrived in Ahmedabad Wednesday afternoon and began a three-day India sojourn that would also see him visiting New Delhi.

Sources told IANS that there was very informal talk between the two leaders against the backdrop of different cultural presentations.

The walk began with Xi being shown decorated Tarnetar umbrella by the prime minister.

Later, he and Modi sat on a swing made from Sankheda wood.

The scintillating performance included Mer Rass - a folk dance form of Mer community of Gujarat's Porbandar region, and a tribal pyramid by artistes from Dang, a tribal region of south Gujarat.

Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan were escorted to the traditional charpai by Modi. Both Xi and Peng enquired about the linen design.

Modi walked up to the river bank where he briefed the visiting Chinese president about the history of the river.

The two leaders spent more than 55 minutes at the river front.

Modi then left Xi and Peng at the special Kutch handicraft designed royal tent for rest.