A new start for China and India?

India and China have agreed to try and resolve the long-running dispute over their Himalayan border.

India's national security adviser said the agreement was "one of the most significant documents" signed by the two countries.

However, analysts say the border difference between the world's two most populous countries has been downplayed recently in favour of strengthening economic ties.

What do you think about the agreement? Will it result in a settlement of the border dispute? Or is it just to make science and technology gains?

This debate is now closed. Read a selection of your comments below.

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The following comments reflect the balance of opinion we have received:

Go China, go India Tapan, Yokohama, China

Fantastic news. If China helps Indian infrastructure and manufacturing to grow, this is probably the start of something big. Go China, go India.
Tapan, Yokohama, China

Both countries should bring the issue of Tibet to the forefront to be able to achieve a more amiable Sino-Indian relationship in the near future.
Sherab Phunkyi, Wisconsin, USA

It is definitely middle game now between China and India. China should stop nuclear and missile proliferation to Pakistan, call off covert operations in Nepal and Burma, and give up its claim on Arunachal Pradesh. India should stop selling the 'China-card' with regard to its nuclear/missile programs, and give up its claim on Aksai Chin. If both countries can jointly realize their target of $25 billion trade by 2010, the rest will fall into place.
Kamala Kannan, Long Beach, USA

There can be no amicable coexistence unless they bring the Dalai Lama to the table Sherab Phunkyi, Wisconsin, USA

Even though it is a good first step, there can be no amicable coexistence between the two Asian giants unless they resolve the question of Tibet by bringing the Dalai Lama to the table.
Sherab Phunkyi, Wisconsin, USA

The increase in competition results in companies merging. The competition for natural resources causes countries to merge too. For China and India this is just a crawl in that direction.
Kevin, CA USA

The Indian elephant and the Chinese dragon should go into this with eyes and ears wide open. The two most populated countries in the world that are emerging economies have done well to shake hands. Let's hope it forebodes peace in Indo-China areas of influence.
Satya Dash, Norwich

As an Indian with many Chinese friends, I think we all agree that these measures are great for both countries Rattan, Chicago, USA

As an Indian with many Chinese friends, I think we all agree that these measures are great for both countries. India has a lot to learn from China in terms of infrastructure development and the creation of laws that promote economic growth. China also has a lot to learn from India in terms of democracy and how to operate efficient financial markets. Together, the opening of markets and normalisation of relations can only lead to greater aggregate wealth and success for both countries. Surely there will be losers, but overall, both countries' people will gain a lot.
Rattan, Chicago, USA

India and China are the oldest surviving civilisations. They didn't survive for long because they were weak. Their bounce back is inevitable. It will be for their own good if they do it together.
Nithin Manjooran, Cochin, India

The next step is for China to step back from its groundless claim of Taiwan. Taiwan has been and still is independent from China. Only for China to admit the truth about Taiwan can China be seen as a nation with reason.
Peter, Cambridge

I think that if these two major power houses of Asia come close then it may help in solving the fundamental problems like poverty by providing lots of jobs.
Madhavan, Germany

It's good that our two countries, the most populous in the world, can agree to resolve our long-running border dispute without having to go to war with one another. It's a win-win situation for both Asian giants so let us stop the sniping and downplay the mistrust and rivalry as our both economies move ahead in healthy competition with the western advanced economies. Let the competition commence!
Yang, Shanghai, China

Only through consistent co-operation can these two countries help restore the balance of economic power that was caused during the imperial era Akshay, India

India and China obviously have a lot in common and it is heartening to see that political authorities on both sides have begun to take notice of this fact. Only through consistent co-operation can these two countries help restore the balance of economic power that was caused during the imperial era. This is a step in the right direction. Both countries can learn from each other - China can benefit more by becoming as liberal as India in its trade policies and India could also learn a thing or two about infrastructural development for stable growth. A good move from both sides!
Akshay, India

The fact is neither of these two countries can conquer, or overpower, the other militarily or economically so co-operation would be a much better, and perhaps the only, option, especially that both countries are still relatively weak and vulnerable on the international stage. This could all be another political trade-off prevalent in Europe's imperial past, but there is an equal, if not greater, likelihood that the friendship forged today may be lasting.
Ji Yuan, Shanghai, China

I think it's time that the region in general and India in particular started putting these trivial lose-lose border disputes in the past. India and China both have high expectations and hopes of becoming leading economic powers of the world. Economic co-operation between the two countries is essential for their mutual growths.
Nick Pande, Memphis, TN, USA

China has become the bridge to settle the differences between Pakistan and India. It is a positive contribution by China to the world.
Adi, Ohio, USA

Both countries friendship can topple US status as only superpower. The friendship also gives moral support for India's claim for UN Security Council permanent seat.
Zulfi, Singapore

I believe that globalisation has led to leaders forgetting about petty border disputes and thinking with a more financial perspective Kshitij Sheth, Philadelphia

I believe that globalisation has led to leaders forgetting about petty border disputes and thinking with a more financial perspective. More than anything else, this new Indo-Sino alliance should be feared by America as a potential threat to its global hegemony. Long live India. Long live China. Long live Asia.
Kshitij Sheth, Philadelphia

From BBCUrdu.com: The friendship of Pakistan, India and China is the only way forward for all three nations' progress and it can make them the most powerful block in the world.
Fazal Wahab Yousafzi, Mardan, Pakistan

From BBCUrdu.com:This is proof of the failure of the present Pakistani government's foreign policy that a friend like China has been forced to befriend India and turn its back on Pakistan. Well done to Mr Musharraf.
Aamir Gill, Jahanian, Pakistan

From BBCUrdu.com: I think that whatever benefit the Chinese and Indian will get from this improvement in relations, Pakistan must remember that it will loose whatever military aid it gets from China.
Hasanat Kazmi, Pakistan

From BBCUrdu.com: India and Pakistan must remember that the US wants to create a balance against China in this region and both these countries should never become a partner of US rather than their own neighbour. Strong ties with China will be good for peace and stability of the region and prosperity of South Asia.
Khawaja, Lahore, Pakistan

It is gratifying to see that India is finally shedding its Cold War diplomatic mentality Raj, Auckland, New Zealand

Is it not ironic that most comments supporting this are from Indians abroad, and not a single one from China? It is still gratifying to see that India is finally shedding its Cold War diplomatic mentality and embracing pragmatisms as China did ages ago.
Raj, Auckland, New Zealand

I think that China wants to be the only super power. We Indians think through the problem. China is threatened by India's growing economy.
Rajan Varghese, Chicago, IL, USA

Very smart move and long overdue for shifting the balance of power away from the old imperialist powers such as the USA and Europe. I hope that India and China can also encourage Pakistan to mend its fences with India and become part of an Asian open market for the faster development of their respective economies.
Alex, Odenton, USA

It is a promising engagement. But if these two giants do not address the smaller plights such as the Maoists in Nepal, the problem of Bhutanese refugees, the problems of the Nagas, they will achieved nothing in a long run.
Gopal Gurung, Singapore

Why this timing? A very straight answer to that, China doesn't want Japan to win a seat on the UN Security Council. Otherwise, why doesn't China also sign up the same agreement with Japan towards the problem they have at Diaoyu Islands?!
Charles, London

There is a lesson in this for our western neighbour. India and China both have contentious issues (like Pakistan and India) but they have moved ahead. I hope Pakistan takes note of this.
Amol, Lucknow, India

We still have a long way to go but it is a positive step Manik Chandra, Kanpur, India

No one should think that prominent countries like India and China have issues that can be solved with a single visit or a declaration. We still have a long way to go but it is a positive step. If the world's largest democracy and the world's largest communist nation can sit amicably and look at the future, it clearly shows how hollow the Cold War's claims about Communism were.
Manik Chandra, Kanpur, India

From BBCHindi.com: The fast growing economies of India and China and their impact on the global market dictate that cordial relations are better than confrontation. With this diplomatic effort both the countries can save the world form becoming economically unipolar.
Pradeep Shukla, Chicago, US

From BBCHindi.com: To put a stop to US hegemony India, China and Russia should join hands. But regardless, it is good that India should have cordial relations with its neighbours. China has also recognised the increasing international stature of India.
Ramnath Muktule, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India

From BBCHindi.com: China is looking to the future. So it seems that improved relations between the two countries will benefit both.
Dhananjaya Nath, Jodhpur, Bihar, India

From BBCHindi.com: An agreement on the border dispute is good for both the countries. It seems that this will result in better relations between the two countries.
Jitender Singh Bhatti, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India

The agreement between China and India is a very welcome development for Asia and the world Jay K Raman, USA

The agreement between China and India is a very welcome development for Asia and the world. At the same time India should always keep good relations with Western democracies. A nation has only permanent interests no permanent friends or foes.
Jay K Raman, Houston, USA

I believe the people of China and India strongly desire economic cooperation and political understanding between the two nations. They will support any steps towards settlement of border and political differences.
Raj C Triyambak, Milwaukee, USA

I am so much more hopeful that these ancient and wise Asian nations with the addition of Pakistan can resolve any differences among them. This is unlike here in the Middle East where the Arabs with their fanaticism and religious zeal let conflicts linger on for generations to the detriment of our people.
Basil Dirawi, Gaza City

India and China are two economic giants; both can't survive, one has to go. It would be interesting whether it is India or China. In my prediction it is India which lacks leadership but possess good labours in world IT. Also, both need to resolve two long standing issues; Taiwan by China and Kashmir by India. In the case of Kashmir, the USA has to play a great part in the future. Kashmir people are our lost generation, they are part of our history.
Steve, Boston, USA

China's attempt to resolve its differences with India is a clear indication that it recognises the latter as a rising global power Siddhartha Talya, Canada

China's attempt to resolve its differences with India is a clear indication that it recognises the latter as a rising global power. Both sides acknowledge the fact that mutual co-operation alone could enable them to lead Asia and the world into the next century.
Siddhartha Talya, Toronto, Canada

Congratulations to the people of both China and India! China, India is determined to take advantage of the economic possibilities of the modern era. It will be a joy to see them work closely with the West and other countries of the region, bringing better distribution of wealth across the planet.
Clifford Mathew, Kerala, India

I hope that these two nations can set an example for the US. By diplomacy, they have settled a long dispute. Peace can be achieved.
Bill Lewis, Pasadena, CA, USA

It is always good to see two countries trying to resolve their disputes in a peaceful manner.
Sam, Hawaii, USA

This is an overdue agreement. This agreement is for the betterment of the people of India and China. Nothing will be perfect but a chance for change is a move in the right direction.
Thomas C Kantha, Osaka, Japan

Together, India and China can attain a lot if they are in good terms and the situation is set for that. America and other Western countries will worry about this. At least it will be beneficial to the largest number of poor people in the most populous two countries.
Joby Thomas, Muvattupuzha, Kerala

This is like the Franco-German bond that drives Europe.
CM Ramanujan, India

It probably can go without saying that this new agreement is fuelled by profit motive - science and technology gains, etc. Yet this probably will result in at least some improvement of China's Himalayan border policies because it will be in their financial interest to do so. C'est la vie.
Brian Keltner, Colorado, USA

Age cannot whither nor customs stale India's infinite variety Srini Ranga, Earborn, Michigan

India has at last come of age. The world has at last sat up and started to take notice of this country, which for long has been for long deprived of its due. The world has only seen just the tip of the iceberg of Indian potential. Age cannot whither nor customs stale India's infinite variety.
Srini Ranga, Earborn, Michigan

It's good for both nations. Let's look forward to the day when McDonalds sell curry and spring rolls.
Patrick, Sydney

India and China have shown great maturity in forging their alliance to a new level of co-operation. I am sure this will go a long way in not only ensuring stability and prosperity in this region but also help these two Asian giants effectively negate any threats to their security.
Amitava Biswas, Jamshedpur, India

The pairing of such extremely different mindsets in terms of politics, human rights, philosophy, spirituality and intellectuality is indicative of India degeneration into the capitalist mindset that has no qualms about trading the quest for truth and wisdom for profits of the global capitalist machinery. The Indian change in stance with regards to Tibet is a further case in point.
Edwin S Anthony

I would welcome this association only if it significantly improves the lives of two billion people in these countries. If they achieve to further the gap between the rich and the poor in China and India, these agreements hold no value.
Hamza Sheikh, USA

Even if it is just to make science and technology gains, it is a very significant first step. Getting one-third of humanity to agree on something is no trivial matter.
Venkat Maruthamuthu, Urbana, IL, USA

Let's not forget that China still occupies Tibet. While China condemns Japan of her militant past, China occupies other nations by brute force. China also claims possession of far out islands off the shore of Japan, Vietnam, Philippines and Malaysia. China it seems embraces militarism and expansionism, just like its dynastic past, I am afraid.
Kouno Taro, Tokyo, Japan

China and India can reshape Asia and the world for the better Jayant, Minneapolis, USA

India and China need to be pragmatic in resolving the border dispute and head towards greater trade relations. There has been mutual distrust for five decades, including a war in 1962 over the border issue. China's friendship with Pakistan is a large factor that should caution India. If the two countries truly achieve friendship as was the case several centuries ago, China and India can reshape Asia and the world for the better.
Jayant, Minneapolis, USA

Better relations between China and India will be beneficial to both but only if it is based on strong ethical foundations. Tibetan rights, stability of tiger populations and the fragile ecosystem of the Himalayas should not be compromised in the quest for excessive monetary gain.
Basu, Boston, USA

Best wishes to both India and China. China has a lot to learn from India. India is doing a much better job preserving her traditional culture.
Waiching Li, USA

We are expecting the refreshed and good relationship between the two most populous countries would kick off an Asian Union to balance the power between the East and the West.
Anthony Wong, Calgary, AB, Canada

For the moment it is a positive step for both sides. The agreement will last as long as it remains an advantage for both sides to keep it. But who can predict the future?
George Van Amber, Chicago, Illinois

I think China has always had a shrewd foreign policy. Its latest effort to mend relations with India shows that the latter's progress has been recognised by the former as significant. However, as long as China remains Pakistan's main military ally, India will never trust China.
Abhishek Pungliya, Cardiff, UK

The next step is for China to step back from its groundless claim of Taiwan. Taiwan has been and still is independent from China. Only if China admits the truth about Taiwan can China be seen as a nation with reason.
Peter, Cambridge

I wish India and China a long and prosperous friendship Purshothaman, Kannur, India

It is purely economic? Fundamentally India is a democratic country and China a communist country but in business everything is business. If China and India are friends, there will be peace for Asia and the whole world in general. A new era of prosperity! Therefore, I wish India and China a long and prosperous friendship.
Purshothaman, Kannur, Kerala, India

This is real good news for the region. In the aftermath of Sino-Indian war in 1962, a six-nation non-aligned leaders' conference was held in Colombo regarding this dispute and the Sri Lankan prime minister at the time acted as an emissary and travelled to India and China. Hopefully a final border agreement will be reached this time.
Harini Kulatunga-Sanchez, Sheffield, UK/Sri Lanka

I only hope what we are reading is for real. The moment the relationship becomes sour, China will lay a claim for a chunk of territory. Unilaterally annexing a chunk of Kashmir is another example. Yes, there is lot of apprehension, at least on the part of this reader. But, who knows? In politics, there are only permanent interests - not permanent adverse positions.
Manu P Dhokai, Annndale, VA

This agreement will benefit people in both countries. The only loser here is the west Chunguang, New York, USA

As a Chinese, I whole-heartedly welcome the positive steps taken by the two giant nations in Asia. China and India can learn a lot from each other. Western media always depicts the two as rivals and one's development will hurt the other. I think this is just part of Western world's divide-and-conquer plan. The western world controls the world as a whole. They foster hatred and fear against each other in Asian countries to maintain and even strengthen their control of the world. I am glad to see that China and India have not fallen in to that trap. This agreement will benefit people in both countries. The only loser here is the west.
Chunguang, New York, USA

I'm going to take the greedy point of view as I am invested in mutual funds that focus on each of these countries. Increased stability sounds good for valuation to me!
Mitch, NY, USA

This agreement is important not only to both countries but also for Asia. The question is whether their agreement will last for a decade because they both have economic interests and will ultimately compete against each other.
Mukhtar Kareem, Gilgit, Pakistan

A momentous step for both nations. I feel that both sides will gain a lot from this agreement, yet for India to open acknowledge Tibet as part of China, while the Dalai takes refuge on its soil seems an awful double standard.
Ankur, Oxford

This is surely another victory for Chinese diplomacy Aruni Mukherjee, Kolkata

This is surely another victory for Chinese diplomacy. It is Beijing which forced the initiative in the talks, and Delhi was always responding to signals, but never making them. It is also to be noted that both sides have not conceded any ground on the border issue, so how far this declaration serves any purpose is to be questioned. Nevertheless, friendly relations between 2.4 billion people of the world should always be welcome, especially now that both are rising superpowers.
Aruni Mukherjee, Kolkata, India

I think the agreement shows that both the countries have realised the importance and capabilities of each other and want to forge ahead in to the future forgetting their past. I am confident that this agreement will help in resolving the border issue peacefully.
Atulya Teja, Kansas, USA

China and India are a potential economic bloc that can rival with the G7 plus Russia for the benefit of developing countries Ahmed, Kampala, Uganda

China and India are a potential economic bloc that can rival with the G7 plus Russia for the benefit of developing countries. However for such a deal to be meaningful, China should first settle his dispute with Taiwan and India should do the same with Pakistan over disputed Kashmir.
Ahmed Kateregga Musaazi, Kampala, Uganda

It's definitely a new start for India and China. But it's still a long way to go for them to be close friends. Besides their own border disputes their foreign policies are also conflicting. India has a soft corner for Japan and Taiwan while China actively militarises Pakistan. In order to reap the benefits of sharing trade, technology and strategic influence they will have to make agreements on mutually trustable foreign policy.
Vivek Kulkarni, Cleveland, USA

China and India were never adversaries. In history, until the 1962 border conflict, China and India had never fought a war. The two nations which claim the biggest populations in the world should pair up on all fronts - social, economical, cultural, scientific development etc. to a level synergistic to both countries. Border disputes for these two countries narrow them down into arguments over wasted lands and that is not justified. I can't wait to see the two countries become brothers again starting early in this century.
Denny Liu, Hong Kong

The devil is in the details. However, India and China on the whole will be greater than the sum of its parts.
Sajjan

As an Indian, I fully support these steps to resolve border dispute. We can't progress if we keep on seeing each other with suspicious eyes while innocent people pay the price with their underdevelopment. If both countries resolve the border dispute, it would provide a strong reasons for Pakistan also to clear up long due issues.
Atul, New York

Any peaceful agreement between two such powerful countries is a positive step. It is sad, however, that it has come at the cost of support for an independent Tibet. As usual in international politics and economics, money talks louder than anything else.
Rustam Roy, London, UK

China giving up its position is not something that one can get easily. But it's nice to see that India's neighbour is changing.
Pat, USA

The strengthening of ties between the two countries are definitely a milestone in achieving what is more important now for people in both countries. As world is looking at these South Asian nations for IT and hardware needs, it certainly is a right move at right time.
Venugopal, Edinburgh, UK

Cautious optimism is how I look at it. After all the document is just a roadmap Jeetendra, Hartford

Cautious optimism is how I look at it. Afterall the document is just a roadmap. And as many of us know, we've never been short of roadmaps. Where we fail, is when it comes to following it and resolving issues.
Jeetendra, Hartford

Strengthening of economic ties can lead to cooperation in other sectors including border differences. It will foster a will to resolve the border differences in a more amicable way.
Arun Kotte, Memphis, USA/India

The Chinese have a long history and have been powerful before, they can handle their newfound power and wealth. Indians on the other hand have lost their heads by tasting a little success. The emergence of India on the world scene is a very negative occurrence, as people in Sri Lanka, Nepal and Kashmir will already testify.
Aamir, Pakistan

To Aamir, Pakistan: "Indians on the other hand have lost their heads by tasting a little success." Little success? Wake up man and read the writing on the wall! Consistent economic growth above 6%, world leader in IT services, establishing Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) as brand names are little successes? Madrassa education only produces jealousy, not thinking brains!
Arjun, New Delhi

We, the people in India who are fed up with the dirty politics by those who are in and out of power, are whole heartedly welcoming such moves. Without doubt it is good not only for both the countries but for the whole world. 2005 is showing a lot of good signs towards peace and co-existence. Let us together continue this for ourselves and for the generations to come.
Sebastian Thomas, India

Personally, I think China wants to be a superpower and is threatened by India's recent status as one of the fast rising economies.
Bimla Mehta, USA

They are taking mature, bold and pragmatic steps based on the future Amit, Bournemouth, UK

Both the nations realise there is a thin line between rivals and partners between them, but yet they are taking mature, bold and pragmatic steps based on the future. A lot of western hawks cannot digest the idea of India and China being on the same side of the table against them, as they realise one day they will be joined by Russia too. Keeping in mind past cycles of economic and trade cop operations of world powers, China and India are doing exactly what Britain, France and Spain did during their global conquests. Why the surprise then?
Amit, Bournemouth, UK

Whatever might be the cause of the initiative the signing of the agreements will surely help in resolving the border issue.
Amol Nilpawar, Sheffield, UK

It is history being repeated. Once upon a time China and India used to control 40% of the world GDP in the 16th century. Why not now? The time is right for both of them to take up the challenge.
Davda, UK

The agreement is the right step in the right direction. It will help bring about a permanent settlement of the border dispute. Also, both countries will benefit from each other economically. I hope this agreement will serve as a role model for other countries to follow.
Omorodion Osula, Boston, USA

I hope the two nations can forget and forgive their past mistakes and form an alliance that is lacking among Asian nations to rival the western world.
Sankara, Toronto, Canada

China has a very good chance to sell their products in India. It is good for China but bad for Indian business and products.
Hakim Siddiqui, USA

China's acceptance of Sikkim as integral part of India, (and India's stance on Tibet) is a perceptible shift in stance of both countries. It shows that the two countries do want to give their relationship a serious boost. But it is too early to say that we have worked past our history yet. Nonetheless, a start as good as could be expected.
Vikram, CA, USA