At least 20 Indian soldiers have died at Galwan Valley, in Ladakh, in the face-off between Indian and Chinese soldiers, according to government agency sources. Chinese forces also suffered casualties as per ANI. It’s the first loss of life in at least 45 years and comes after weeks of tension between the two sides.
“Indian & Chinese troops have disengaged at Galwan area where they had earlier clashed on the night of 15/16 June. 17 Indian troops who were critically injured in the line of duty at stand-off location, and exposed to sub-zero temperatures in the high altitude terrain have succumbed to their injuries, taking the total that was killed in action to 20. Indian Army is firmly committed to protecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the nation,” Indian Army stated.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian gave no details of any casualties on the Chinese side, but said that China had strongly protested the incident while still being committed to maintaining “peace and tranquility” along the disputed and heavily militarized border.
Army delegations, led by major general-ranked officers of both armies, also have been holding discussions in eastern Ladakh to resolve the standoff.
