India-China relations go beyond 'plain arithmetic': Modi

As Chinese President Xi Jinping embarks on a landmark visit to India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said the relationship between the two countries goes beyond "plain arithmetic" and he was confident that the neighbours can "script history" by enhancing cooperation.

Reflecting the importance India attaches to the visit, Modi said India and China have a "unique chemistry" that can make for a defining moment and create a bright future for the entire mankind.

He summarised the possibilities of the bilateral ties moving ahead as 'Inch' meaning India and China towards Miles -- Millennium of Exceptional Synergy -- and said every inch both cover can "rewrite history" of humanity and every mile crossed will go a long way in making the planet a better place.

"India and China are bound by history, connected by culture, and inspired by rich traditions. Together they can create a bright future for the entire mankind," Modi told Chinese journalists based here.

Elaborating on the nature of the relationship, he said, "The arithmetic and chemistry of our relations convince me that together we can script history and create a better tomorrow for all of mankind."

Xi will arrive at Ahmedabad on Wednesday on a three-day visit to India which will be the third by any Chinese president to India. President Hu Jintao had visited India in 2006 and Jiang Zemin had come here in 1996.

Referring to the large population base of India and China, Modi said that when India and China gain, almost 35 per cent of the world's population benefits.

He said when India and China strengthen relations, almost 35 per cent of the world's people come closer and when the economic cooperation increases, lives of almost 35 per cent of the world's population undergoes qualitative changes.

Modi hoped that India and China together cover several miles and said several miles that take not only the two nations forward but also all of Asia and humankind towards the path of progress and harmony.

Modi and Xi will hold talks on two occasions -- first when the Prime Minister will host a private dinner for the visiting dignitary after his arrival in Ahmedabad on September 17 and then in New Delhi on September 18 in restricted and delegation-level format.