WATCH: Chinese President Xi Jinping reaches Chennai for meet with PM Modi, welcomed by folk dancers

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in India on Friday afternoon to a great welcome at the Chennai Airport. He was welcomed by folk dancers and musicians upon his arrival. Jinping is in India as part of his maiden two-day visit to the state to participate in the second informal summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Mamallapuram. The Air China plane carrying the Chinese President and others landed in Chennai at about 2 pm. Accorded a red carpet welcome, Jinping was received by Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit, Chief Minister K. Palaniswami, Deputy Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam and others.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had arrived in the city earlier in the day and was received by Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit, Chief Minister K. Palaniswami, Deputy Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam and others upon his arrival. PM Modi said that he is happy to be in the land of Tamil Nadu and hopes that the summit will help in strengthening ties between two countries.

WATCH Xi Jinping arrive in Chennai -

#WATCH Tamil Nadu: Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed by folk dancers and musicians, upon his arrival at Chennai airport pic.twitter.com/HB37PVAyh9

— ANI (@ANI) October 11, 2019

"Landed in Chennai. I am happy to be in the great land of Tamil Nadu, known for its wonderful culture and hospitality. It is gladdening that Tamil Nadu will host President Xi Jinping. May this Informal Summit further strengthen ties between India and China," Modi tweeted. The prime minister will fly from the airport in a helicopter to Thiruvidandai and from there he will reach the Taj Fishermen`s Cove Resort & Spa. Meanwhile, Jinping will leave for Mahabalipuram from the ITC Grand Chola at about 4 pm and meet Modi there.

Mahabalipuram is also geared up to host the summit. Security has been tightened at Mahabalipuram and Chennai. The state police have deployed thousands of security forces and installed CCTV cameras at several places. Students from schools and colleges and others will stand on the pavements waving Indian and Chinese national flags to greet Xi on his way to ITC Grand Chola Hotel from the airport and from there to Mahabalipuram.

An eight-feet stone sculpture of Goddess Meenakshi has been temporarily installed at the Chennai airport. The sculpture was supplied by Mayan Handicrafts, Mahabalipuram.