Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of BRICS Summit at Fortaleza in Brazil last night.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said the meeting was very warm and cordial. He said, both leaders discussed bilateral as well as regional and international issues at the meeting stretching over eighty minutes.

Prime Minister Modi talked about Indian trade imbalance with China and the ways to improve it. Chinese President said India has huge potential in trade in services and tourism through which it can fill the trade gap to a great extent.

Mr Modi said this trade deficit should be reduced, as a balanced trade relation with India will further strengthen the Indo China ties.

President Xi also agreed to the proposal of Mr Modi to provide an additional route for Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims as the present one is quite difficult and dangerous.