Indian media focus on mutual trust at informal Xi-Modi summit

NEW DELHI -- Indian newspapers on Sunday reported on the just-concluded informal summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with their focus on the two leaders' pledge to enhance mutual trust.

Major local English-language newspapers carried lead stories about the conclusion Saturday of the two-day meeting in China's central city of Wuhan.

Almost all of them published photographs of the two leaders having a tete-a-tete at Wuhan's East Lake, or holding discussions while strolling through a garden.

Leading English daily The Times of India had its first lead story filed from Wuhan, which said "Xi and Modi issued strategic guidance to their militaries to build trust and enhance predictability and effectiveness in managing border affairs."

It also quoted a statement released at the conclusion of the summit as saying that the two leaders underscored the importance of maintaining peace on the borders in the larger interest of the overall development of bilateral ties.

Another English daily, The Indian Express, carried its first lead story titled "Modi, Xi direct their armies to build trust" along with a photograph showing Modi and Xi at the garden.

The report listed major takeaways from the summit, such as the two countries' aim to build trust at the border, properly handle and control their differences, push bilateral trade and investments, and cooperate on counter-terrorism, among others.

Another widely circulated newspaper, the Hindustan Times, carried "Modi, Xi sign off with pledge to ease strain" as a lead story, with a photograph showing the two leaders enjoying a walk in a garden.

"PM Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping on Saturday agreed on steps aimed at strengthening communications and building trust between the militaries of India and China," which is a move aimed at effectively managing differences on the border, the report said.