Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday to his family’s hometown of Xi’an. The visit is aimed at improving diplomatic and economic ties between the two Asian countries.

Several months ago, Mr. Xi was a guest of Mr. Modi’s at the Indian leader’s hometown of Ahmedabad.

A Chinese newspaper says Mr. Modi and Mr. Xi are expected to sign $10 billion worth of economic deals during their talks.

Mr. Modi will travel Friday to Beijing to meet with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and other top Chinese officials.