Prime Minister Modi's maiden visit to China on May 14 will focus on cementing Sino-Indian relationship. The visit is expected to touch on issues such as trade, economic ties, infrastructure and investment projects, as well as the contentious border issues and strategic regional rivalry. Modi has shown a key interest in building strategic cooperation with China. In an interview with Time Magazine he said, "For nearly three decades there has been, by and large, peace and tranquility on the India-China border ... Both countries are showing great maturity and a commitment to economic cooperation."

The Indian PM has gone out of his way to ensure this trip is fruitful. He has gone to the extent of cancelling a meeting with the Dalai Lama in order to avoid "upsetting" China.

The big questions glaring Modi in the face during this trip would be the tall promises made by Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit to India in September 2014.

Up until now most of Modi's foreign visits have consisted of mere optics and theatre, unfortunately for BJP that won't cut it anymore. The grand speeches BJP has planned for him in Shanghai in the Madison Square Garden mould, is not what people want anymore. In fact there is a danger that the Modi rockstar image may backfire if the speeches are not backed up by solid deliverables.

Source: Huffingtonpost.com

$20 billion investment

During Xi Jinping's maiden visit to India last September, the Chinese leader made a hefty promise of $20 billion in investment. However, that is the last India heard of this matter. There has been no clarity of what the investment is for, if any money has been pumped in in the last eight months and what sectors the investment is aimed at.

This will be a major task for Modi during his China visit. There are plans of Modi sitting down with Chinese and Indian CEOs to discuss his Make in India project and convince them it will enhance business-to-business interaction for mutual benefit.

Source: Deccan Chronicle