There is an upward trend in India-China relations and Beijing has promised to address New Delhi's needs on rare earths, a top Indian official and a source said on Tuesday, as the neighbours rebuild ties that were damaged by a 2020 border clash.

Back in April, Beijing tightened the screws on exports of seven key rare earth elements and magnets, citing end-use checks and stricter licensing rules. For India, which depends on China for over 80 per cent of its magnet imports,

Mutual distrust remains deep but progress reflects pragmatic efforts on both sides to gain leverage in shifting global order, experts say.