The tale of two leaders: Why Modi and Xi are similar yet different

INDIAN officials have spoken of the “unprecedented chemistry” shown between Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping during PM Modi’s China visit. While it is questionable how much emotional connect world leaders can afford, the Indian and Chinese leaders have points of convergence.

Modi and Xi are said to be part of a new wave of nationalistic, assertive Asian leaders that includes Japan’s Shinzo Abe and Indonesia’s Jokowi. All of them profess to do more than just rule; they have technicolor visions of national revival.