Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has met China's top diplomat and hailed the “steady progress” made in improving the countries' relationship after a yearslong standoff between the nuclear-armed powers.

Border trade between India and China through Lipulekh Pass had commenced in 1954 and had been going on for decades till it was disrupted by.

India and China have agreed to explore demarcating their disputed border, a key move toward resolving decades-old territorial disputes as the neighbors look to recalibrate ties against the backdrop of strained India-US relations.

Nepal has reiterated its claim over the Lipulekh territory, stating it is an inseparable part of the country, after India and China agreed to resume border trade through the area. The Nepalese government has incorporated the territory into its official map and Constitution.

The move comes against the backdrop of disengagement efforts in eastern Ladakh following the 2020 border clashes.

China — often characterized by White House officials as the arch-rival of the U.S. in trade — has been among the countries most negatively affected by Trump’s mercurial barrage of tariffs. India is currently suffering severe penalties imposed by the Trump administration due to its continued purchasing of oil from Russia.

India and China have agreed to enhance border dispute resolution efforts following talks between NSA Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Wang Yi handed over a personal message and invitation from President Xi Jinping to the PM, for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit being held in Tianjin on August 31 to September 1. Modi acce