18:30 IST, Indian PM and Chinese President are attending the cultural events at the Shore temple.
The two leaders are set to attend the cultural event which will soak them in South Indian music and dance. The whole event is held on the back drop of the Shore temple.
After the event, PM Modi will host President Xi for a private dinner. Specially picked authentic Tamil Cuisines will be served on the table for dinner. Dinner, at present is planned in the Shore temple complex with a good view of Bay of Bengal.
Eight delegates from each side were also invited for the dinner, they will be seated in tables away from PM and President.
18:00 IST, A walk around the Shore Temple.
The shore temple, a temple in the lap of the Bay of Bengal, also the cultural icon of the ancient Tamil architecture, is where PM Modi is hosting President Xi for the informal summit.
The Temple was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1984.
The tour around Shore temple will be followed by a beautiful eve filled with South Indian Music and dance.
17:45 IST, Tour around Mamallapuram
President Xi, who was in White and black formal combo, was warmly welcomed by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who chose a more Traditional dress for the eve – a white shirt and dhoti.
The leaders then took a tour around the famous and beautiful caves and stone sculptures of Mamallapuram
17:00 IST, President Xi, to Mamallapuram, by road
Chinese President Xi Jinping is traveling to Mamallapuram from ITC Grand Chola. Whole of the ECR road has been blocked in order to speed up President’s journey.
Road, on either side, are covered with Chinese nationalists who have gathered from different places around India, school children, AIADMK and BJP party cadre, local people and folk artists to greet Mr. President.
14:40 IST, Grand Chola welcomes it’s VVIP guest.
President Xi arrived at ITC Grand Chola by around 2.30 IST. Nadaswaram and Takil were played for the arriving VVIP guest. Many Chennaites along with Chinese Nationals gathered to catch a glimpse and welcome the guest. Roads were completely blocked during his journey from airport to Grand Chola.
14:00 IST, Warm welcome for President Xi Jinping at the airport.
President Xi received a grant welcome. The receiving team included Governor Banwarilal Purohit, Speaker P.Dhanapal, Chief Minister Edappadi K.Palaniswami and Deputy Chief Minister O.Panneerselvam. Traditional music and ‘Poorna Kumbam” were among the attractions of the greeting session.
12:40 IST, Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives at Chennai Airport.
President Xi Jinping will arrive at Chennai Airport. Convoys from ITC Grand Chola are on their way to pickup the Chinese President.
12:05 IST, Tibetan’s held by Police
Five Tibetan’s have been held outside the Grand Chola, where President Xi Jinping will be staying today. Tibetan’s were protesting against the Chinese President. A Tibetan has also been held outside the Chennai Airport.
12:00 IST, PM Modi leaves Fisherman’s Cove
PM Narendra Modi leaves Fisherman’s Cove and is ob his way to Mamallapuram, He will be staying in Fisherman’s Cove today.
11:51 IST, Helicopter lands in Tiruvindathai.
PM arrives in Mamallapuram by helicopter and is about to travel to Taj’s Fisherman’s Cove.
11:45 IST, PM expresses his happiness through tweets
PM expresses his happiness through his tweets which also includes a picture of him being received by Governor and CM. PM Mentions that he is happy to be in Tamil Nadu, the land famous for its wonderful culture. He also expresses his gladness on Tamil Nadu being able to host the summit
11:10 IST, PM Narendra Modi Lands in Chennai
PM Narendra Modi who arrived in Chennai airport was received by Governor Banwarilal Purohit along with T.N Edappadi Palaniswami. PM Modi will shortly be travelling to Mamallapuram, where summit is going to be held, by helicopter.
Drone Deployed by T.N police to survey route.
Ahead of the vist of PM Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping, Tamil Nadu (India), Police have used photogrammetric mapping using drones for deploying manpower and security infrastructure along the East Coast Route,(ECR).
