The leaders of China and India have vowed to strengthen communication and improve bilateral ties that were damaged by a military clash in a border region in 2020.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met on Wednesday on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Russia for the first formal talks between the two countries in five years.
Xi emphasized that the two countries should maintain the common recognition that they are cooperative partners, not competitors, and explore ways to develop together.
Modi told Xi that the relationship between their countries is important not only for the two sides, but also for global peace, prosperity and stability.
Clashes have occurred intermittently between the two countries along a tentative demarcation line in disputed border areas. Both sides suffered casualties during fighting in 2020.
The two sides agreed to hold dialogue through special delegates to maintain peace and stability along the border and to seek ways to resolve differences.
They also agreed to improve communication at all levels, including between their foreign ministers.
By mending relations with India, China apparently wants to drive a wedge into strengthening ties between India and Western countries.
India likely hopes to attract investments and develop its manufacturing sector by revitalizing economic ties with China.