The three-day visit of the President of China, Xi Jinping, India began on a positive note here on Wednesday with Mr. Xi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi share a rare bonhomie and the two countries signed two agreements and a memorandum of understanding. 

The strong note of symbolism, ceremony and camaraderie between the two leaders laid the foundation for substantive negotiations to be held in New Delhi on Thursday. 

Mr. Xi is the first Chinese President to visit India in eight years. 

As there is much at stake for both Mr. Modi, in a special gesture, traveled to Ahmedabad to welcome the Chinese leader. 

After meeting with Mr. Xi for a brief one-on-one in a hotel and the signing of the agreements, it was time for a bit of free time. The visit to the Sabarmati Ashram was a turning point as Mr. Modi and Mr. Xi sat on the ground and spun the charkha. Mr. Xi gave a charkha, a book and other items in a sealed box ashram. 

At night on the bank of Sabarmati River, Mr. Modi and Mr. Xi witnessed a cultural program of dance groups from Gujarat. 

The highlight of the evening was an elaborate dinner of vegetarian Gujarati Mr. Modi stayed exclusive for Mr. Xi, his wife, Peng Liyuan, and a delegation of 22 members.