The nuclear-armed neighbors have reached a breakthrough in discussions over their disputed Himalayan border, four years after a clash that saw security forces engage in hand-to-hand combat.

India and China have reached an agreement on patrolling their shared Himalayan border, according to the two governments, potentially easing the icy hostility between the Asian giants after a deadly skirmish between their troops four years ago.

Tensions between the Asian powers had flared in recent years following a border clash that left at least two dozen soldiers dead.