The border spat last month prompted the Indian opposition and media to pressure the government to take on China and call off Li's visit. The government, however, chose to go ahead with the trip, highlighting its policy of trying to widen areas of cooperation with China while attempting to resolve key differences.

Both sides are keen to ensure that the border spat does not derail a general warming in relations between the neighbors.

It may not be a breakthrough trip for the border dispute settlement but could be the one to emphasize the need for an early resolution and improvement of relations.