Nirav Modi unlikely to be discussed at Modi-Xi meet: Ex-Chinese envoy

Former Chinese ambassador Professor Phunchok Stobdan said Indian economic offender Nirav Modi, reportedly hiding in Hong Kong, is not likely to be discussed in the upcoming bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

While talking to ANI, Stobdan said, " I think it's a diplomatic master stroke and will lead to paradigm shift in Indo-China relationships."

Discussions would to be open-ended with no set agendas, he added.

Hong Kong's Department of Justice (DoJ) on Monday refused to share information on absconding jewellery designer and Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam accused Nirav Modi, who is confirmed to be in the Hong Kong by Indian authorities.

While answering a question-- if issues like China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) will be discussed in the meeting-- Stobdan blatantly said, "Issues like Masood Azhar, trade imbalance and border issues are technical issues and can be handled by diplomats and officials."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's informal meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to be held in Wuhan city of central China on April 27 and 28. This informal discussion is going to take place for the first time after 1954.

(ANI)