NEW DELHI: Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Chennai to a grand welcome on Friday, a visit that comes soon after India's decision to withdraw Jammu and Kashmir's special status and reorganise the state into two Union territories.

Tamil Nadu chief minister E K Palaniswami, governor Banwarilal Purohit and speaker of the Tamil Nadu Assembly P Dhanapal welcomed the Chinese leader, who is in India for his second informal summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi .

Live updates: Xi Jinping in Chennai for 2nd informal summit

Xi will get a ‘Taste of India’ tonight with a special focus on South Indian delicacies. PM Modi is hosting a special dinner in honour of the Chinese president in Mamallapuram, where several Indian culinary delights, specifically the diverse regional cuisines of South India — from Chettinad to Karaikudi — will be on display.

The dishes include Thakkali Rasam , Arachavitta Sambar; Kadalai Kuruma and Kavanarasi Halwa, among others — reflecting the sweeping diversity of South Indian culinary traditions.



In Video: Grand welcome for Chinese President Xi Jinping at Chennai airport