Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has met China's top diplomat and hailed the “steady progress” made in improving the countries' relationship after a yearslong standoff between the nuclear-armed powers.

New Delhi’s frayed ties with Washington have added to a thaw in the frosty relationship with Beijing that began last year.

His remarks came as Delhi and Beijing agreed on resumption of direct flights, border trade, facilitating trade and investments, and at least three border-related new mechanisms, signalling headway made in rebuilding ties after five years of a tense border standoff.