Envoy smooths way for Xi's India trip

Modi returns gesture of goodwill, as countries pledge to build relations

Beijing and New Delhi felt the warmth of coming ties two days ahead of President Xi Jinping's first visit to the neighboring country, with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi sending a special envoy to pave the way for Xi's visit.

Meanwhile, a senior Chinese diplomat discounted any rivalry between the two Asian giants on Tuesday, saying that China is not seeking to contain India by military or any other means.