India and China say military talks on border dispute 'positive'

India and China said on Monday that the ninth round of talks between military commanders to resolve a months-long border confrontation in the Himalayan region of Ladakh had been "positive, practical and constructive."

"The two sides agreed to push for an early disengagement of the frontline troops," a joint statement issued by India's defence ministry said.

The nuclear-armed neighbours deployed thousands of troops in the remote snow deserts of Ladakh last summer when tensions flared after 20 Indian soldiers were killed in hand-to-hand combat. The Chinese suffered an undisclosed number of casualties.