Chinese President Xi Jinping told Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan that yoga was gaining immense popularity in China and that his spouse too was learning and practising it.
He was responding to Mahajan's stress on the role of yoga in building character, spirituality and sound mental and physical health.
The Speaker, who called on the visiting dignitary, held comprehensive discussions with him on a variety of issues ranging from bilateral economic engagement, culture, youth development, to clean energy and yoga.
She also emphasised that since both countries had resurgent youth population, there was an imperative to promote and reinforce youth exchange programmes.
According to a Lok Sabha secretariat release, Mahajan presented a Maheshwari Stoll and a wall hanging depicting a peacock to the Chinese President and his wife. Wall hangings are considered auspicious and are popular in China.