Xi, Modi set friendly tone for visit

Jiang Jingkui, director of the Center of South Asian Studies at Peking University, said the preparations showed the importance that Modi attached to the ties and the buildup of his personal relationship with Xi.

Modi also made clear his determination to continue learning from the Chinese development experience and to make good on his election promise of reviving India's flagging economy and creating jobs, said Jiang.

Modi has spoken of his admiration for China's economic growth in the last decade, and he came to China on a number of occasions as state chief to lure investors to Gujarat, whose powerhouse role for India will be strengthened by the three agreements signed on Wednesday, he added.

China is India's largest trade partner, with bilateral trade reaching $65.5 billion in 2013. Modi is eager to attract large-scale foreign direct investment from China to upgrade India's infrastructure.

Beijing also showed the visit's tenor and purpose from the large size of the delegation accompanying Xi, comprising senior ministers, leading business barons and bankers, AFP quoted Rajrishi Singhal, senior fellow at New Delhi think tank Gateway House, as saying.

Sun Shihai, a researcher on Southern Asian studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said India's vast market and growth potential make Asia's third-biggest economy an ideal choice for Chinese investors.

The growing economic links and warm personal relationship between the leaders could help China's diplomatic agenda of forging ties with neighboring countries, said Sun.

During his stay in New Delhi, Xi is scheduled to meet with Modi again, as well as with Indian President Pranab Mukherjee and other political leaders. He will also deliver a speech on China-India relations and China's South Asia policy.

Friday is the last day of the trip, the first visit by a Chinese president to India since 2006.