At least 20 Indian Army personnel were killed in a “violent face-off” in Ladakh's Galwan Valley on the night of June 15-16, the Army said yesterday. Four more Indian soldiers are in critical condition, reports suggest. In a statement earlier, the Indian Army had indicated that there were casualties on the Chinese side too. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called an all-party meet on June 19 to discuss the situation.
In his first official response, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that loss of soldiers “is deeply disturbing and painful” and that they “displayed exemplary courage and valour”. “The nation will never forget their bravery and sacrifice,” he added. More developments and reactions are expected on this front. Catch the LIVE updates here:
It's a matter of national security, there'll be no compromise. I pay tribute to all jawans who lost lives. Nation is proud of them that they made the supreme sacrifice. It won't be in vain. It was pre-planned by China, Indian forces will give befitting reply.
Talks between Major Generals of India and China in Galwan Valley are over. The talks have remained inconclusive as no immediate disengagement or change in ground has taken place. More talks to take place in the coming days, news agency ANI has reported.
Frontline bases of the Indian army and the air force along the nearly 3,500 km de-facto border with China were put on high alert on Wednesday in view of the worst border clash between Indian and Chinese troops in Galwan Valley that left 20 Army personnel dead and several injured, government sources said.
The Indian Navy has also been asked to raise its alert-level in the Indian Ocean Region where Chinese Navy has been making regular forays.
The Army has already rushed in additional troops and weaponry to all its key frontline bases and formations along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh, Uttarakhan, Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh, they said. (PTI)
In what can be construed as a sign of deterioration in relations following the standoff between armed forces of the two countries, PM Narendra Modidid not extend birthday wishes toChinesePresident Xi Jinping, a gesture he has shown since 2016 despite the upheavals in bilateral ties.
Xi, who turned 67 on June 15, has already taken a step toward a "retirement extension”.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is currently meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik has announced an exgratia of Rs 25 lakh each to the next of the kin of the two martyrs andconveyed his deep sympathies to the bereaved families.
Four Army personnel who were critically injured after the violent face-off with Chinese troops are stable now.
We welcome all steps aimed at de-escalation at the Line of Actual Control (LAC), including the conversation between the two Foreign Ministers, and remain optimistic.
Govt should give strategic as well as economic reply to China: Akhilesh Yadav
The government should not only give a “strategic”, but also an economic reply to China, the Samajwadi Party (SP) said on Wednesday after 20 Indian Army personnel were killed in a violent clash with the Chinese army in Ladakh.
In a tweet in Hindi, SP president Akhilesh Yadav said the SP will support the government on any decision in the nation's interest.
We are proud of our nation, we will fight this together. We stand with the nation at this hour.
All those who laid down their lives in Galwan valley of Ladakh have upheld the best traditions of the Indian armed forces. Their valour will be eternally etched in the memory of the nation. My deepest condolences to their families. (2/2)
