News analysis China-India border deal a positive step but trust issues remain

Xi, Modi agree to try to improve ties that deteriorated after fatal military clash

- Michelle Ng China Correspondent Nirmala Ganapathy India Bureau Chief

BEIJING/NEW DELHI - After a four-year military stand-off, a new deal between China and India on patrolling their disputed frontier in the Himalayan region and an agreement between both countries' leaders to strengthen communication are but the first steps towards thawing ties.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Oct 23 agreed to strengthen communication and cooperation between their countries in an effort to improve ties that deteriorated after a fatal military clash in 2020.

India said the two countries would resume talks between their foreign ministers and special representatives, and resolved to find a solution to the border dispute.

Mr Xi and Mr Modi met on Oct 23 in Kazan, south-western Russia, on the sidelines of the 2024 Brics summit, two days after both sides announced a patrolling and disengagement agreement on their disputed frontier in the Himalayan region. Many observers view the meeting as a reaffirmation of that breakthrough in ties between the two Asian giants.

Mr Xi said the two sides should "strengthen communication and cooperation, properly handle divergences and differences, and realise each other's development dreams", according to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.

Mr Xi said China and India should take on international responsibilities, set an example of unity and self-reliance for developing countries, and contribute to promoting a multipolar world and democratisation of international relations, CCTV added.

In a press statement, India said Mr Modi "underscored the importance of properly handling differences and disputes and not allowing them to disturb peace and tranquillity" between the two countries.

India announced the border deal on Oct 21, with Foreign Minister S.

Jaishankar saying the agreement had brought the situation back to where it was before the 2020 clashes.