New Delhi: India and China have agreed to cautiously explore broader dimensions of their bilateral relationship after completing the withdrawal of troops from the final standoff points along their Himalayan border, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar announced on Tuesday.

The statement follows a recent agreement between the two nations to end a four-year military impasse that strained ties between the Asian powers. This resolution marks a potential turning point, with India signaling its openness to gradually rebuilding economic ties disrupted during the conflict.

Tensions between the neighbors, both nuclear-armed and among the world's most populous countries, escalated in 2020 after violent clashes in the western Himalayas led to the deaths of 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers. In response, India cut off direct flights to China, banned numerous Chinese apps, and imposed stricter scrutiny on Chinese investments, insisting that border peace was essential for normalizing relations. Beijing, on the other hand, maintained that border disputes should not overshadow the broader relationship.

"The completion of the disengagement process now provides an opportunity to carefully evaluate other facets of our bilateral relations, always prioritizing national security," Jaishankar informed parliament, emphasizing the need for peace in border regions as a foundation for improved ties.

He also revealed that discussions on de-escalation and border management would take place soon, involving top diplomats and officials from both sides. The Himalayan frontier, spanning approximately 4,000 km (2,500 miles), has long been a contentious issue, resulting in a brief but intense war in 1962 and periodic skirmishes since.

Relations had stabilized following diplomatic agreements in the 1990s, leading to flourishing trade and economic collaboration. However, the border clashes of 2020 severely disrupted this progress, creating a significant trust deficit.

In October, after resolving the border conflict, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held their first formal discussions in five years, agreeing to address their differences and enhance bilateral cooperation.

Despite these developments, Indian officials remain cautious about rekindling economic ties, advocating for a gradual approach. Initial steps are expected to include the resumption of direct flights and streamlined visa processes, signaling a tentative yet hopeful path forward for the two nations.