DHAKA: Chinese president Xi Jinping invited India on Tuesday to attend a summit of the Apec trade group in November, sending a message of cooperation during the first meeting between the new leaders of the world’s most populous countries.

But behind the smiles at Xi’s 80-minute meeting with India prime minister Narendra Modi in Brazil, India’s rivalry with its powerful neighbor bubbled up as the two nations argued over who would host the headquarters of a proposed BRICS — Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa — joint development bank.

Xi and Modi met soon after their arrival at a summit of the BRICS group of emerging powers, reports The Times of India.

Xi said the two countries should join hands in setting global rules and suggested he attend the November meeting of the 21-nation Apec in Beijing, as well as take part in Chinese-led regional initiatives.

India has never attended an Apec summit, and has long sought to become a member to help boost its economy.

BDST: 2123 HRS, JUL 15, 2014