India-China border dispute: The entire world is taking notice

Twenty Indian Army personnel were killed in a clash with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley on Monday night, the biggest military confrontation in over five decades that has significantly escalated the already volatile border standoff between the two countries.

A large number of Indian and Chinese troops have been engaged in an eyeball-to-eyeball situation in Galwan Valley and certain other areas of eastern Ladakh for the last five weeks, including in Pangong Tso, Galwan Valley, Demchok and Daulat Beg Oldie in eastern Ladakh.

To this end, other countries and international organisation have called for peace between the nations.

The United States said it was closely following the situation at the Line of Actual Control.
"Both India and China have expressed a desire to de-escalate, and we support a peaceful resolution of the current situation," a State Department spokesperson said.

The European Union (EU) on Wednesday urged India and China to show restraint and engage in military de-escalation and continue holding a dialogue.

"In light of recent worrying developments along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China, we encourage both sides to show restraint and to engage in military de-escalation, as well as to continue the dialogue," Virginie Battu-Henriksson, EU Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy said in a statement.

"This is crucial for building trust and reaching a peaceful solution which is essential to preserving peace and stability in the region," the spokesperson added.

The British High Commission on Wednesday also encouraged dialogue between India and China.

"Clearly these are concerning reports. We encourage China and India to engage in dialogue on issues relating to the border - violence is in no-one's interest," said British High Commission spokesperson.

Australia has been critical of China.

Australian envoy to India -- Barry o'Farrell -- said, "Peace, stability and prosperity are not words that China understands," adding, "Beijing's aggression in South China Sea is not consistent with consensus building and dialogue."

The United Nations has also expressed concern. It has asked India and China to practise maximum restraint.

Indian intercepts have revealed that the Chinese side suffered 43 casualties including dead and seriously injured in the violent clash.

Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar conveyed a clear and unequivocal tough message to Chinese counterpart Wang Yi during a telephonic conversation on Tuesday that what happened in Galwan was a "pre-mediated and planned action that was directly responsible for the resulting violence and casualties."

In a strong message to China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said earlier today that India wants peace but is capable of giving a befitting reply, if instigated.