Chennai: The magnificent Pallava sculptures at the seaside Mahabalipuram will play witness to the second 'informal' summit being hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Chinese President Xi Jinping early next month, official sources said here.
"Arrangements have already begun to make this summit pleasant and flawless in every aspect. Preparations are in full swing", a senior state official told DC on condition of anonymity. October 11-13 is likely to be the summit time for the two leaders to pick up the thread weaved at their first summit at Wuhan, where they had visited the historic Hubei provincial museum amid the hectic discussions that had focused on the border issues and Pakistan terror.
These two issues are likely to dominate in the next summit too, perhaps the latter a bit more, according to sources, adding that most other details are being kept secret due to security reasons.
Reports as recently as in June had stated that Varanasi would be the venue for the second summit and there would a boat ride on Ganges just like their sail on the East Lake in Wuhan, but it has turned out Mahabs has won the prestigious rendezvous pick.
Apart from its Pallava sculptures dating back to 7-8th century CE, Mahabalipuram could also be an ideal retreat by seaside and providing high-level security for the two world leaders might not present such a huge challenge, said an officer, pointing out that there is already a helipad there, built during the Defence Expo last year. "Even a road trip from the (Chennai) airport, a distance of some 50 kms in less than an hour, should not be ruled out", he added.
The two leaders are likely to stroll around the sculptures during their 'breaks' in more serious discussions, sources said, pointing out that these monuments had won recognition for the Pallava town as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
President Xi had been an excellent host at the first summit at Wuhan, which he said marked the significance and strength of mutual trust. Prime Minister Modi is expected to present some similar moments of friendly memories for the Chinese leader.
