India has successfully test-fired an indigenously developed intermediate-range ballistic missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead deep into the territory of its geopolitical rival, China, just as Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares for his first visit there in years.

Challenges remain and any improvement in ties could be limited given the two neighbours’ mutual distrust, according to analysts.

The foreign ministers of India and China met in New Delhi on Monday in a renewed effort by the nuclear-armed Asian rivals to ease tensions after a five-year border standoff significantly hurt relations.

In a climate controlled room in India s capital, restorers carefully piece together rare historical documents and artefacts to rescue

Relations plummeted in 2020 after security forces clashed along the border. The violence, the worst in decades, left 20 Indian soldiers and four Chinese soldiers dead, freezing high-level political engagements.

India and China have agreed to resume direct flights for the first time in more than five years, marking a significant step toward mending diplomatic ties and restoring travel links disrupted by the pandemic and a deadly border clash.

India on Wednesday responded to Nepal's objection over the decision to reopen border trade with China through the Lipulekh pass, rejecting Kathmandu's claim and reiterating that trade through the route existed for decades.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s top aide said ties with Beijing are on an “upward trend,” another signal that New Delhi may be recalibrating its foreign policy amid mounting tariff pressure from US President Donald Trump.

MEA said border trade between India and China through Lipulekh Pass began in 1954 and was disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic and “other developments”

An Indian parliamentary committee on aviation has warned that staffing shortages at the country's air safety regulator and lack of air traffic controllers pose a threat to safety in one of the world's fastest growing aviation markets.

Foreign ministry says attention of Bangladesh govt has been drawn to reported establishment of AL offices in Delhi, Kolkata