In major signs of tensions easing at LAC the disengagement between India and China has been completed from the hot springs at the Galwan valley in Ladakh. Watch report.

WION Dispatch: PLA pulling back from finger area, India-China begins disengagement process

More than 60 days after the standoff began, Chinese troops have begun stepping back. A complete withdrawal is still work in progress. For 70 years, India and China have failed to clearly define the line of actual control. WION's Palki Sharma tells you what India needs to do to permanently settle the situation at the border.

Gravitas: India-China standoff, Chinese troops step back

The border standoff between India and China happened more than a month ago. Dubbed as the “bloodiest” standoff in the longest time, it had stirred up new tensions between the countries, before both mutually agreed to disengage on Monday.

India had recently begun work on improving its border infrastructure. As part of this, India built new roads, highways, and bridges. This was done for the Indian forces to be more watchful of the neighbour.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/india-china-standoff-galwan-pullback-after-nsa-dovals-two-hour-phone-call-with-chinese-foreign-minister-311064" hreflang="en">India-China standoff: Galwan pullback after NSA Doval's two-hour phone call with Chinese foreign minister</a>

Over the last four years, India’s spending on the roads being constructed along the Line of Actual Control has tripled. Even after the standoff, the work has continued.

The Darbuk Shayok Daulat Beg Oldie road could have allegedly been the key factor that led to the brawl between both the sides. The road runs parallel to the LAC, and India has spent almost 20 years building the road - an all weather path, which connects to Leh.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-ladakh-standoff-inside-indias-border-strategy-311236/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Why is China worried? 

The DSDBO highway provides the Indian military access to a section of the Tibet Xijiang highway that passes through Aksai Chin. India has been building feeder roads along this highway, one of which branches off towards the Galwan Valley, where the conflict happened.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/india-china-standoff-pm-narendra-modis-ladakh-visit-gives-a-clear-message-to-beijing-310522" hreflang="en">India-China standoff: PM Narendra Modi's Ladakh visit gives a clear message to Beijing</a>

Under the Modi government, India’s spending on LAC roads has tripled. rom Rs 4,600 crores in 2016 to almost Rs 12 thousand crores in 2020. The money has gone towards building more roads, bridges and tunnels.

The DSDBO road is essential for India’s armed forces, as it connects Leh to Daulat Beg Oldi, which is a historic campsite and a military base, and has the world’s highest airstrip.

Additionally, India had created a military outpost, which is manned by soldiers from the Army and the Paramilitary Indo-Tibetan Border Force, which carry out patrolling across the LAC.

The border standoff between India and China happened more than a month ago. Dubbed as the “bloodiest” standoff in the longest time, it had stirred up new tensions between the countries, before both mutually agreed to disengage on Monday.

The border standoff between India and China happened more than a month ago. Dubbed as the “bloodiest” standoff in the longest time, it had stirred up new tensions between the countries, before both mutually agreed to disengage on Monday. India had recently begun work on improving its border infrastructure. As part of this, India built new roads, highways, and bridges. This was done for the Indian forces to be more watchful of the neighbour. Also read: India-China standoff: Galwan pullback after NSA Doval's two-hour phone call with Chinese foreign minister Over the last four years, India’s spending on the roads being constructed along the Line of Actual Control has tripled. Even after the standoff, the work has continued. The Darbuk Shayok Daulat Beg Oldie road could have allegedly been the key factor that led to the brawl between both the sides. The road runs parallel to the LAC, and India has spent almost 20 years building the road - an all weather path, which connects to Leh. Why is China worried? The DSDBO highway provides the Indian military access to a section of the Tibet Xijiang highway that passes through Aksai Chin. India has been building feeder roads along this highway, one of which branches off towards the Galwan Valley, where the conflict happened. Also read: India-China standoff: PM Narendra Modi's Ladakh visit gives a clear message to Beijing Under the Modi government, India’s spending on LAC roads has tripled. rom Rs 4,600 crores in 2016 to almost Rs 12 thousand crores in 2020. The money has gone towards building more roads, bridges and tunnels. The DSDBO road is essential for India’s armed forces, as it connects Leh to Daulat Beg Oldi, which is a historic campsite and a military base, and has the world’s highest airstrip. Additionally, India had created a military outpost, which is manned by soldiers from the Army and the Paramilitary Indo-Tibetan Border Force, which carry out patrolling across the LAC.

What triggered the India-China standoff, and why is Beijing irked?

PM Modi paid a surprised visit to the injured jawans at the military hospital in Leh, where they were undergoing treatment since the ‘violent face-off’ in eastern Ladakh that left 20 jawans martyred. Now China has reacted to PM Modi's visit and said 'Hope India will follow Modi-Xi consensus'.

WION Dispatch: China reacts to PM Modi's Ladakh visit | India-China standoff

China reacts to PM Modi's Ladakh visit, Denies being 'expansionist'

Disgruntled retired and serving Chinese Army cadres, who are hurt by the treatment meted out by the government, can launch an "armed" anti-regime action against Xi Jinping's government, said Jianli Yang, a Chinese dissident and son of a former Communist Party leader.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-bar-chinese-companies-from-highway-projects-including-in-joint-ventures-gadkari-309880">Also read: India to bar Chinese companies from highway projects including in joint ventures, says Nitin Gadkari</a> 
 
In an opinion piece in The Washington Post, Jianli Yang, the founder and president of Citizen Power Initiatives for China, writes that Beijing fears that the admitting that it had lost troops, that too more in number than its opponent, could lead to major domestic unrest that can even put the regime of Chinese Communist Party (CCP) at stake.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/what-should-india-do-now-to-fight-chinas-provocations-306750">What should India do now to fight China's provocations?</a>

"The PLA has long been a key pillar of the CCP's power. If the sentiments of the serving PLA cadres are hurt and they get together with the millions of disgruntled veterans (which may be facilitated by those within the PLA who are already unhappy with Xi -- and there are thousands of them, such as those who were hurt by Xi's move to separate PLA from commercial activities), they could form a formidable force capable of challenging Xi's leadership," he writes. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-why-pla-soldiers-are-eyeing-the-galwan-valley-301185">India-China standoff: Why PLA soldiers are eyeing the Galwan valley</a>

"Significantly, the CCP leadership cannot afford to undermine the veterans' potential to launch a collective and armed anti-regime action. Hence, the continuing incidence of veterans' protests, despite significant coercive pressure and bureaucratic measures, is a source of intense anxiety for Xi Jinping and the CCP leadership," he adds.

Jianli cited the recent example of the recent face-off between Indian and Chinese troops at Galwan Valley, during which both sides suffered casualties.

When asked to confirm the number of casualties China had suffered in the recent clash in the Galwan Valley, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian did not acknowledge that there were casualties on the Chinese side, saying "I have no information to offer."

Yet again, when the question was posed the next day (June 23), Zhao avoided giving any details from the Chinese side, but was quick to retort that Indian media reports claiming that at least 40 Chinese soldiers were killed was "false information".

"Even a week after the incident, China has refused to publicly admit that there had been casualties on its side, while India paid the last homage to its martyrs with full state honours," Jianli states.

Jianli is of the view that at the root of this fear is the simmering resentment running in the hearts and minds of 57 million veterans of China's PLA.

He explains that veterans are holding frequent mass protests across China hoping to shame the government into recognising its obligation towards those who battled along the country's borders in the past.

"If this is the treatment meted out by the CCP regime to the martyrs of today, imagine the plight of PLA veterans, many of whom had participated in the bloody 1979 Sino-Vietnamese War or the Korean War. They have been holding frequent mass protests across China for years now, hoping to shame the government into recognizing its obligation toward those who battled along the country's borders in the past," he says.

Jianli says the country which has the world's largest army, does not have a central agency to administer pensions and other benefits to its veterans. Resultantly, veterans are forced to depend on local governments for pensions, medical care and other basic benefits.

"However, due to wide disparity in the financial standings of the local governments, there is no standard or uniformity in what the veterans receive. After having given their youth and shed blood for the country, the veterans find themselves left by the CCP to the mercy of often corrupt local officials, making them feel like donkeys slaughtered after they are too old to work a grindstone," he adds.

Disgruntled retired and serving Chinese Army cadres, who are hurt by the treatment meted out by the government, can launch an "armed" anti-regime action against Xi Jinping's government, said Jianli Yang, a Chinese dissident and son of a former Communist Party leader.

Disgruntled retired and serving Chinese Army cadres, who are hurt by the treatment meted out by the government, can launch an "armed" anti-regime action against Xi Jinping's government, said Jianli Yang, a Chinese dissident and son of a former Communist Party leader. Also read: India to bar Chinese companies from highway projects including in joint ventures, says Nitin Gadkari In an opinion piece in The Washington Post, Jianli Yang, the founder and president of Citizen Power Initiatives for China, writes that Beijing fears that the admitting that it had lost troops, that too more in number than its opponent, could lead to major domestic unrest that can even put the regime of Chinese Communist Party (CCP) at stake. Also read: What should India do now to fight China's provocations? "The PLA has long been a key pillar of the CCP's power. If the sentiments of the serving PLA cadres are hurt and they get together with the millions of disgruntled veterans (which may be facilitated by those within the PLA who are already unhappy with Xi -- and there are thousands of them, such as those who were hurt by Xi's move to separate PLA from commercial activities), they could form a formidable force capable of challenging Xi's leadership," he writes. Also read: India-China standoff: Why PLA soldiers are eyeing the Galwan valley "Significantly, the CCP leadership cannot afford to undermine the veterans' potential to launch a collective and armed anti-regime action. Hence, the continuing incidence of veterans' protests, despite significant coercive pressure and bureaucratic measures, is a source of intense anxiety for Xi Jinping and the CCP leadership," he adds. Jianli cited the recent example of the recent face-off between Indian and Chinese troops at Galwan Valley, during which both sides suffered casualties. When asked to confirm the number of casualties China had suffered in the recent clash in the Galwan Valley, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian did not acknowledge that there were casualties on the Chinese side, saying "I have no information to offer." Yet again, when the question was posed the next day (June 23), Zhao avoided giving any details from the Chinese side, but was quick to retort that Indian media reports claiming that at least 40 Chinese soldiers were killed was "false information". "Even a week after the incident, China has refused to publicly admit that there had been casualties on its side, while India paid the last homage to its martyrs with full state honours," Jianli states. Jianli is of the view that at the root of this fear is the simmering resentment running in the hearts and minds of 57 million veterans of China's PLA. He explains that veterans are holding frequent mass protests across China hoping to shame the government into recognising its obligation towards those who battled along the country's borders in the past. "If this is the treatment meted out by the CCP regime to the martyrs of today, imagine the plight of PLA veterans, many of whom had participated in the bloody 1979 Sino-Vietnamese War or the Korean War. They have been holding frequent mass protests across China for years now, hoping to shame the government into recognizing its obligation toward those who battled along the country's borders in the past," he says. Jianli says the country which has the world's largest army, does not have a central agency to administer pensions and other benefits to its veterans. Resultantly, veterans are forced to depend on local governments for pensions, medical care and other basic benefits. "However, due to wide disparity in the financial standings of the local governments, there is no standard or uniformity in what the veterans receive. After having given their youth and shed blood for the country, the veterans find themselves left by the CCP to the mercy of often corrupt local officials, making them feel like donkeys slaughtered after they are too old to work a grindstone," he adds.

China fears admitting Galwan valley casualties may lead to unrest: Dissident

Is Tibet the new front in the standoff between India and China? WION's Palki Sharma tells you how China is stepping up its activities in Tibet, and how India can respond.

Gravitas: India-China standoff | Is Tibet the new front?

French Minister of the Armed Forces Florence Parly has written to India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh condoling the death of 20 Indian soldiers near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Galwan Valley, French diplomatic sources said on Tuesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-galwan-valley-has-become-a-flashpoint-between-india-and-china-307270">Also Read:&nbsp;Why Galwan Valley has become a flashpoint between India and China</a>

According to the Diplomatic sources Florence Parly has written in the letter that “This was a hard blow against the soldiers, their families and the nation. In these difficult circumstances, I wish to express my steadfast and friendly support, along with that of the French armed forces. I request you to kindly convey my heartfelt condolences to the entire Indian armed forces as well as to the grieving families,”.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/third-round-of-talks-between-india-china-military-commanders-begins-along-lac-309575">Also read: Third round of talks between India, China military commanders begins along LAC</a> 
 
Indian and Chinese troops have been engaged in a tense standoff along the LAC, especially in Ladakh sector, where both sides have deployed thousands of additional troops.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-india-china-standoff-is-tibet-the-new-front-309514/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Defence and strategic ties between India and France have been on an upswing in the last few years. India is likely to receive on July 27 the first batch of six Rafale fighter jets from France. The jets are expected to significantly boost the combat capability of the Indian Air Force.

(With inputs from agencies)

French Minister of the Armed Forces Florence Parly has written to India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh condoling the death of 20 Indian soldiers near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Galwan Valley, French diplomatic sources said on Tuesday.

French Minister of the Armed Forces Florence Parly has written to India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh condoling the death of 20 Indian soldiers near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Galwan Valley, French diplomatic sources said on Tuesday. Also Read: Why Galwan Valley has become a flashpoint between India and China According to the Diplomatic sources Florence Parly has written in the letter that “This was a hard blow against the soldiers, their families and the nation. In these difficult circumstances, I wish to express my steadfast and friendly support, along with that of the French armed forces. I request you to kindly convey my heartfelt condolences to the entire Indian armed forces as well as to the grieving families,”. Also read: Third round of talks between India, China military commanders begins along LAC Indian and Chinese troops have been engaged in a tense standoff along the LAC, especially in Ladakh sector, where both sides have deployed thousands of additional troops. Defence and strategic ties between India and France have been on an upswing in the last few years. India is likely to receive on July 27 the first batch of six Rafale fighter jets from France. The jets are expected to significantly boost the combat capability of the Indian Air Force. (With inputs from agencies)

French Defence Minister Florence Parly writes to Rajnath Singh, condoles death of 20 Indian soldiers at Galwan valley clash

China reinforced its troops near the Indian border with mountain climbers and martial arts fighters shortly before a deadly clash this month, state media reported.

China reinforced its troops near the Indian border with mountain climbers and martial arts fighters shortly before a deadly clash this month, state media reported. Tensions are common between the two nuclear-armed neighbours in the mountainous border terrain, but this month's fighting was their deadliest encounter in over 50 years. Five new militia divisions including former members of a Mount Everest Olympic torch relay team and fighters from a mixed martial arts club presented themselves for inspection at Lhasa on June 15, official military newspaper China National Defense News reported. State broadcaster CCTV showed footage of hundreds of new troops lining up in the Tibetan capital. Tibet commander Wang Haijiang said the Enbo Fight Club recruits would "greatly raise the organization and mobilization strength" of troops and their "rapid response and support ability," China National Defense News reported, although he did not explicitly confirm their deployment was linked to ongoing border tensions. Chinese and Indian troops clashed later that day in the most violent confrontation between the two powers in decades, in the Ladakh region 1,300 kilometres away. India says 20 of its own soldiers were killed in brutal hand-to-hand combat that day, while China suffered an unknown number of casualties. Both sides have blamed each other for the battle, which was fought with rocks and batons without any shots fired. India said Thursday that it had reinforced troops in the contested Himalayan border region, saying it was matching a similar buildup by China. Chinese state media have in recent weeks highlighted military activity including high-altitude anti-aircraft drills in the Tibet region bordering India. The new troops were recruited with the aim of "strengthening the border and stabilizing Tibet," China National Defense News said. India claims Chinese troops ambushed Indian soldiers and forced them down a ridge where they had gone to remove a Chinese "encroachment". A bilateral accord prevents the use of guns, but the fighting was still fierce, with rudimentary weapons. China has, in turn, accused Indian soldiers of twice crossing the Line of Actual Control, the unofficial boundary, provoking its troops. The two countries fought a war over the border in 1962. There is an understanding between the nuclear-armed neighbours that their troops in the disputed and inhospitable region will not use firearms.

China sent martial artists to India border before deadly clash: Report

Air surveillance was increased on Ladakh LAC after India-China face-off. Watch this video to know more.

Air surveillance increased on Ladakh LAC after Galwan face-off

The adventurism of China in Ladakh and a few other places along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and the&nbsp;standoff between Chinese and Indian Forces have&nbsp;once again highlighted the complexity of the border issue between the two countries.

The fact that 22 rounds of special representative-level talks have taken place between India and China in the last 30 years,&nbsp;and the resolution of the border issue is nowhere in sight, speaks of the magnanimity of the problem. LAC, irrespective of differing perceptions, continues to be a compromise formula,&nbsp;which has its own pitfalls in bringing peace and tranquillity, because perceptions can be repeatedly stretched beyond limits&nbsp;if the intentions change, as has been the case with Chinese so many times. The idea of managing peace and tranquillity through agreements and&nbsp;Confidence-building measures (CBMs) has not been found effective enough.

Defining the Complexity of China-India Border Issue &nbsp;&nbsp;

People's Republic of China refused to ratify the Simla Agreement of 1914, signed between British India and Tibet. The Indian stance generally follows Johnson Line (1865) in Ladakh and McMahon Line in East. When Maharaja Hari Singh signed Instrument of Accession, Aksai Chin was part of it; hence, it rightfully belonged to India. India should have compelled China to accept the Shimla Agreement before recognising Tibet as part of Beijing. There is, therefore, no mutually agreed border treaty between Independent India and PRC. China can never be trusted, and hence, India can also have a relook at old treaties/recognitions with China. &nbsp;

It is often mentioned that China has resolved its border dispute with several other countries, however, Chinese argue that it was done on give and take principle. India and China interpret history as it suits them, which is unlikely to change easily. Expecting India to give Tawang or China to give back Akshai Chin is unlikely to be accepted by domestic constituencies on both sides. It is for this reason that every time when the talks start on border resolution, it invariably ends with additional measures for the management of undefined, LAC. &nbsp;

Why is Graceful Disengagement along the LAC Difficult?&nbsp;

LAC, by definition, indicates loosely demarcated areas under the actual control of Chinese and Indian Forces. The term was used by Zhou Enlai in his note to Indian PM Jawaharlal Nehru in 1959, followed by respective positions in 1960 and post 1962 conflict, with some unheld areas in between, and later used for negotiations since 1993, with a provision that it does not impact respective positions adopted by both countries on unresolved Border Issue. Both countries have their own perception of LAC and in certain areas these perception overlap. As LAC is not demarcated, Chinese, with scant regards to international agreements and obligations, use non-demarcation as an opportunity to pursue their ‘Strategy of Incremental Encroachment’ by laying fresh claims (Galwan Valley) and following it up with troops buildup/infrastructure development till resisted and stop just short of conflict. An opposing build-up by Indian Forces leads to ‘Standoff' each time.&nbsp;

The problem in the resolution of standoff is that a graceful retreat becomes extremely difficult due to rising sentiments/ nationalism in respective countries and media glare, thus increasing the political cost of any compromise by either side. Galwan/Pangong Tso is neither the first nor the last standoff between the two countries as&nbsp;the demarcation of LAC is doable, provided both sides “Agree to Agree”. Chinese, however, continue to drag their feet in doing so, as they fear that it will become de facto border, forcing them to forego their claims made in 1959, including Tawang and take away an opportunity to needle India, whenever it has any major divergence in strategic interests. Having developed their infrastructure up to LAC earlier than India, China does not want to let go of this comparative strategic advantage by denying similar infrastructure development by India. &nbsp;

In my opinion, the delimitation and demarcation of LAC will happen only, when the political/strategic cost of not doing so will increase for China. It could happen when China faces insurmountable military pressure on South-Eastern seaboard from a group of countries, in response to Chinese adventurism in Indo-Pacific. China, having recovered early from COVID-19, has unfairly used it as an opportunity to make quick gains in claimed areas amidst pandemic and unfair profiteering from ‘Health Silk Road’ igniting global anger. Chinese aggressiveness in South and East China Sea, blocking of global sea-lane of communication and freedom of flights, coupled with a declaration of independence by Taiwan can create such conditions, along with economic decoupling, resulting in internal dissent in the mainland, Hong Kong, and heightened rivalry with the US with accidental triggers. &nbsp;

China, on its part, will try to stop its adventurism just short of war, in consonance with Sun Tzu’s principle of ‘winning without fighting’. India will have to walk an extra mile in Indo-Pacific engagements like QUAD, and target all vulnerabilities of China, in coordination with&nbsp;like-minded countries. Till then China and India will continue with a tug of war along the&nbsp;LAC.&nbsp;

&nbsp;(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) &nbsp;

The adventurism of China in Ladakh and a few other places along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and the standoff between Chinese and Indian Forces have once again highlighted the complexity of the border issue between the two countries.

The adventurism of China in Ladakh and a few other places along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and the standoff between Chinese and Indian Forces have once again highlighted the complexity of the border issue between the two countries. The fact that 22 rounds of special representative-level talks have taken place between India and China in the last 30 years, and the resolution of the border issue is nowhere in sight, speaks of the magnanimity of the problem. LAC, irrespective of differing perceptions, continues to be a compromise formula, which has its own pitfalls in bringing peace and tranquillity, because perceptions can be repeatedly stretched beyond limits if the intentions change, as has been the case with Chinese so many times. The idea of managing peace and tranquillity through agreements and Confidence-building measures (CBMs) has not been found effective enough. Defining the Complexity of China-India Border Issue People's Republic of China refused to ratify the Simla Agreement of 1914, signed between British India and Tibet. The Indian stance generally follows Johnson Line (1865) in Ladakh and McMahon Line in East. When Maharaja Hari Singh signed Instrument of Accession, Aksai Chin was part of it; hence, it rightfully belonged to India. India should have compelled China to accept the Shimla Agreement before recognising Tibet as part of Beijing. There is, therefore, no mutually agreed border treaty between Independent India and PRC. China can never be trusted, and hence, India can also have a relook at old treaties/recognitions with China. It is often mentioned that China has resolved its border dispute with several other countries, however, Chinese argue that it was done on give and take principle. India and China interpret history as it suits them, which is unlikely to change easily. Expecting India to give Tawang or China to give back Akshai Chin is unlikely to be accepted by domestic constituencies on both sides. It is for this reason that every time when the talks start on border resolution, it invariably ends with additional measures for the management of undefined, LAC. Why is Graceful Disengagement along the LAC Difficult? LAC, by definition, indicates loosely demarcated areas under the actual control of Chinese and Indian Forces. The term was used by Zhou Enlai in his note to Indian PM Jawaharlal Nehru in 1959, followed by respective positions in 1960 and post 1962 conflict, with some unheld areas in between, and later used for negotiations since 1993, with a provision that it does not impact respective positions adopted by both countries on unresolved Border Issue. Both countries have their own perception of LAC and in certain areas these perception overlap. As LAC is not demarcated, Chinese, with scant regards to international agreements and obligations, use non-demarcation as an opportunity to pursue their ‘Strategy of Incremental Encroachment’ by laying fresh claims (Galwan Valley) and following it up with troops buildup/infrastructure development till resisted and stop just short of conflict. An opposing build-up by Indian Forces leads to ‘Standoff' each time. The problem in the resolution of standoff is that a graceful retreat becomes extremely difficult due to rising sentiments/ nationalism in respective countries and media glare, thus increasing the political cost of any compromise by either side. Galwan/Pangong Tso is neither the first nor the last standoff between the two countries as the demarcation of LAC is doable, provided both sides “Agree to Agree”. Chinese, however, continue to drag their feet in doing so, as they fear that it will become de facto border, forcing them to forego their claims made in 1959, including Tawang and take away an opportunity to needle India, whenever it has any major divergence in strategic interests. Having developed their infrastructure up to LAC earlier than India, China does not want to let go of this comparative strategic advantage by denying similar infrastructure development by India. In my opinion, the delimitation and demarcation of LAC will happen only, when the political/strategic cost of not doing so will increase for China. It could happen when China faces insurmountable military pressure on South-Eastern seaboard from a group of countries, in response to Chinese adventurism in Indo-Pacific. China, having recovered early from COVID-19, has unfairly used it as an opportunity to make quick gains in claimed areas amidst pandemic and unfair profiteering from ‘Health Silk Road’ igniting global anger. Chinese aggressiveness in South and East China Sea, blocking of global sea-lane of communication and freedom of flights, coupled with a declaration of independence by Taiwan can create such conditions, along with economic decoupling, resulting in internal dissent in the mainland, Hong Kong, and heightened rivalry with the US with accidental triggers. China, on its part, will try to stop its adventurism just short of war, in consonance with Sun Tzu’s principle of ‘winning without fighting’. India will have to walk an extra mile in Indo-Pacific engagements like QUAD, and target all vulnerabilities of China, in coordination with like-minded countries. Till then China and India will continue with a tug of war along the LAC. (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article)

Why the resolution of border dispute between China and India is complicated?

US-based space technology company Maxa Technologies has published satellite images that show road construction and Chinese Military resources at the disputed border area between India and China. Watch report.

India-China standoff: US space firm releases photographs of LAC and patrol point 14

India and China on Wednesday agreed to ensure expeditious implementation of the understanding on disengagement of troops from eastern Ladakh as decided in a meeting of senior military commanders on June 6.

The two sides held diplomatic talks through video conference. The talks were held between Joint Secretary (East Asia) in the Ministry of External Affairs Naveen Srivastava and Director General in the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Wu Jianghao.

However, China has significantly ramped up its military presence in several other key sectors along the Line of Actual Control in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Uttarakhand.

On Sunday, the Indian government gave the armed forces "full freedom" to give a "befitting" response to any Chinese misadventure along the LAC.

The Army has already sent thousands of additional troops to forward locations along the border in the last one week.&nbsp;The IAF has also moved a sizeable number of its frontline Sukhoi 30 MKI, Jaguar, Mirage 2000 aircraft and Apache attack helicopters to several key air bases including Leh and Srinagar following the clashes.

Meanwhile, the Chinese regime is still blaming India for escalating tensions and it has once again claimed sovereignty over the Galwan valley.

Amid China's rhetoric and lies also came a confession. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian accepted that construction of roads and bridges on the Indian side of the border was the reason behind China's aggression.

These contrasting statements only discredit everything that China has been saying. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maintaining-peace-and-tranquility-along-sino-india-border-in-common-interests-of-both-parties-china-308242">Also Read: Maintaining peace and tranquility along Sino-India border in common interests of both parties: China</a>

China has been in occupation of Tibet since 1951 and the Tibetan government is in exile in India. Now with China's unprecedented aggression towards India, there's a growing sentiment among Indian citizens to call the border by its rightful name - the Indo-Tibet border.

From anti-China sentiments to anti-China decisions, reports have emerged that custom officials in Chennai have held Chinese shipments for extra checks. However, there is no official order from the government yet. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-india-is-slowly-but-surely-boycotting-china-308083">Also Read: How India is slowly, but surely, boycotting China</a>

The Galwan clash has indeed been a turning point in India-China relations. If the anti-China sentiments in India are anything to go by, it may very well be a breaking point. 
 
(With inputs from PTI) 
&nbsp;

India and China on Wednesday agreed to ensure expeditious implementation of the understanding on disengagement of troops from eastern Ladakh as decided in a meeting of senior military commanders on June 6.

India and China on Wednesday agreed to ensure expeditious implementation of the understanding on disengagement of troops from eastern Ladakh as decided in a meeting of senior military commanders on June 6. The two sides held diplomatic talks through video conference. The talks were held between Joint Secretary (East Asia) in the Ministry of External Affairs Naveen Srivastava and Director General in the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Wu Jianghao. However, China has significantly ramped up its military presence in several other key sectors along the Line of Actual Control in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Uttarakhand. On Sunday, the Indian government gave the armed forces "full freedom" to give a "befitting" response to any Chinese misadventure along the LAC. The Army has already sent thousands of additional troops to forward locations along the border in the last one week. The IAF has also moved a sizeable number of its frontline Sukhoi 30 MKI, Jaguar, Mirage 2000 aircraft and Apache attack helicopters to several key air bases including Leh and Srinagar following the clashes. Meanwhile, the Chinese regime is still blaming India for escalating tensions and it has once again claimed sovereignty over the Galwan valley. Amid China's rhetoric and lies also came a confession. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian accepted that construction of roads and bridges on the Indian side of the border was the reason behind China's aggression. These contrasting statements only discredit everything that China has been saying. Also Read: Maintaining peace and tranquility along Sino-India border in common interests of both parties: China China has been in occupation of Tibet since 1951 and the Tibetan government is in exile in India. Now with China's unprecedented aggression towards India, there's a growing sentiment among Indian citizens to call the border by its rightful name - the Indo-Tibet border. From anti-China sentiments to anti-China decisions, reports have emerged that custom officials in Chennai have held Chinese shipments for extra checks. However, there is no official order from the government yet. Also Read: How India is slowly, but surely, boycotting China The Galwan clash has indeed been a turning point in India-China relations. If the anti-China sentiments in India are anything to go by, it may very well be a breaking point. (With inputs from PTI)

India-China standoff: Situation along the LAC continues to remain grim

Gravitas: Galwan Face-Off: Why China won't share its casualty numbers Several claims are floating around China's casualty numbers. But, China is yet to release how many of its soldiers died in the face-off at the Galwan Valley.

Gravitas: Galwan Face-Off: Why China won't share its casualty numbers

Amid tensions at the border, the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination(WMCC) on India and China border affairs is set to hold a virtual meet to discuss border tensions between the two countries.

India, China to hold diplomatic talks today amid tensions along LAC

Amid tensions at the border, the&nbsp;Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination(WMCC) on India and China border affairs is set to&nbsp;hold a virtual meet&nbsp;to discuss border tensions between the two countries. &nbsp;

Watch Video:

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The talks are set to be headed by joint secretary-level officials from both sides.&nbsp; The talks will be held today between Naveen Srivastava, joint secretary(East Asia) and Wu Jianghao, director-general in the Chinese ministry of foreign affairs.&nbsp;

This is the second diplomatic level talks this month after the first took place on June 5.

The consultation and coordination mechanism was established in 2012 for the maintenance of peace and tranquillity between the two countries.

The meet is set to be conducted through a video link.

India and Chinese military commanders had taken part in talks along the Line of Actual Control on Monday which lasted to eleven hours. Both sides had decided to disengage after clashes at the border had left 20 Indian soldiers dead last week at Galwan Valley.

Amid tensions in the area, India's Army chief MM Naravane visited the Leh in order to review the situation at the border.

Amid tensions at the border, the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination(WMCC) on India and China border affairs is set to hold a virtual meet to discuss border tensions between the two countries. Watch Video: The talks are set to be headed by joint secretary-level officials from both sides. The talks will be held today between Naveen Srivastava, joint secretary(East Asia) and Wu Jianghao, director-general in the Chinese ministry of foreign affairs. This is the second diplomatic level talks this month after the first took place on June 5. The consultation and coordination mechanism was established in 2012 for the maintenance of peace and tranquillity between the two countries. The meet is set to be conducted through a video link. India and Chinese military commanders had taken part in talks along the Line of Actual Control on Monday which lasted to eleven hours. Both sides had decided to disengage after clashes at the border had left 20 Indian soldiers dead last week at Galwan Valley. Amid tensions in the area, India's Army chief MM Naravane visited the Leh in order to review the situation at the border.

India, China to hold diplomatic talks amid tensions along LAC

Indian Army Chief General MM Naravane will visit Ladakh to meet the injured soldiers and review the force preparedness as well as the deployment across the Line of Actual Control with China.

Indian Army Chief Gen Naravane to meet injured soldiers in Ladakh today

The Indian Army has made a significant change in Rules of Engagement (ROE) after the Galway Valley skirmish that left 20 Indian soldiers dead. It has now given “complete freedom of action” to commanders deployed along the contested Line of Actual Control (LAC) to “handle situations at the tactical level.”

India-China border tensions: Troops are no longer bound to not using firearms

Amid the rising number of coronavirus cases in the national capital, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said that authorities were now conducting 18,000 tests per day.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-records-445-deaths-14821-new-cases-in-last-24-hours-307576">Also Read: India records 445 deaths, 14,821 new cases in last 24 hours</a>

The Delhi chief minister said that earlier just 5,000 tests were being conducted while asserting that "now people will not face any issues in getting tested".

"Our country is fighting two wars against China - one at the border and another against the virus from China. We have to remain united to fight both, none of these should be politicised," Kejriwal said through a video link.

"Our 20 brave soldiers did not back down, we also will not retreat and will win both the wars," Kejriwal asserted.

Kejriwal said that people under home isolation will be provided with pulse oximeters to measure their oxygen levels in just a few hours.&nbsp;

On Sunday, Delhi had reported 3,000 coronavirus cases taking the total number of cases to 59,746. The death toll due to the virus has risen to 2,175 after 63 deaths were reported. According to health officials, 33,013 patients have recovered from the virus.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia had earlier discussed key strategies with home minister Amit Shah on making contact tracing more robust and further strengthening of medical services in areas severely impacted by the virus in the capital.

Amid the rising number of coronavirus cases in the national capital, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said that authorities were now conducting 18,000 tests per day.

Amid the rising number of coronavirus cases in the national capital, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said that authorities were now conducting 18,000 tests per day. Also Read: India records 445 deaths, 14,821 new cases in last 24 hours The Delhi chief minister said that earlier just 5,000 tests were being conducted while asserting that "now people will not face any issues in getting tested". "Our country is fighting two wars against China - one at the border and another against the virus from China. We have to remain united to fight both, none of these should be politicised," Kejriwal said through a video link. "Our 20 brave soldiers did not back down, we also will not retreat and will win both the wars," Kejriwal asserted. Kejriwal said that people under home isolation will be provided with pulse oximeters to measure their oxygen levels in just a few hours. On Sunday, Delhi had reported 3,000 coronavirus cases taking the total number of cases to 59,746. The death toll due to the virus has risen to 2,175 after 63 deaths were reported. According to health officials, 33,013 patients have recovered from the virus. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia had earlier discussed key strategies with home minister Amit Shah on making contact tracing more robust and further strengthening of medical services in areas severely impacted by the virus in the capital.

Our country is fighting two wars against China - at the border & against the virus: Kejriwal

China lost at least 40 of its soldiers in the violent clash in Galwan Valley in the western Himalayas, VK Singh, the minister for roads and transport, said on Saturday China has not said anything about the casualties in the hand-to-hand combat in which 20 Indian soldiers lost their lives.

China lost at least 40 of its soldiers in the violent clash in Galwan Valley in the western Himalayas, VK Singh, the minister for roads and transport, said on Saturday China has not said anything about the casualties in the hand-to-hand combat in which 20 Indian soldiers lost their lives. "If 20 were martyred on our (Indian) side, then there would have been at least double the casualties on their (China) side," V.K.Singh, the minister for roads and transport, told TV News24 in an interview broadcast late on Saturday. Singh, who is a former army chief, said China historically never accepted any war casualties including in the 1962 conflict with India. China's state-controlled Global Times said earlier there had been casualties on the Chinese side but did not elaborate. Singh said the Indian side had handed over Chinese troops who had strayed into Indian territory after the violent standoff. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has criticised China for escalating border tensions with India.

China lost at least 40 soldiers in border clash: VK Singh

The armed forces deployed along the 3,500-km de-facto border with China have been given "full freedom" to give a "befitting" response to any Chinese misadventure, government sources said after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the situation in eastern Ladakh at a meeting with the top military brass on Sunday.

The meeting was attended by Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, Army Chief Gen MM Naravane, Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh and Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria.

India has already mobilised fighter jets and sent thousands of additional Army troops to forward locations along the border with China after 20 Indian Army personnel were killed in a brutal attack by Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh's Galwan Valley on June 15.

The clash in Galwan Valley, the worst cross-border violence in 45 years, significantly frayed ties between the two countries, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi sending a strong message to China that India wants peace but if provoked, India is capable of giving a befitting reply.

In the meeting on Sunday, Singh told the top military officers to maintain a strict vigil on Chinese activities around the land border, the airspace and in strategic sea lanes, the sources said.

Following the Galwan incident, military sources said Indian troops will no longer be bound by the long-held practice of not using firearms in faceoffs.

The armed forces were told to be fully ready to give a befitting reply to any Chinese misadventure, the sources said, adding a "tough" approach is being adopted to guard the border.

Seventy-six Indian soldiers were also injured in the Galwan Valley clash. China's People's Liberation Army has not yet talked about the number of casualties it suffered.

The sources said the armed forces have been given full freedom to deal with any act of aggression by China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the de-facto border between the two countries.

The two armies had mutually decided not to resort to use firearms during face-offs in sync with provisions of two agreements on border management. The agreements were signed in 1996 and 2005.

"Henceforth, our approach will be different. The ground commanders have been given full freedom to take decisions depending on the situation," a top military official told PTI on the condition of anonymity.

The IAF has already moved a sizeable number of its frontline Sukhoi 30 MKI, Jaguar, Mirage 2000 aircraft and Apache attack helicopters to several key air bases including Leh and Srinagar in the last five days.

The two armies were engaged in a standoff in Galwan and several other areas of eastern Ladakh since May 5 when their troops clashed on the banks of the Pangong Tso.

The situation in eastern Ladakh deteriorated after around 250 Chinese and Indian soldiers were engaged in a violent face-off on May 5 and 6. The incident in Pangong Tso was followed by a similar incident in north Sikkim on May 9.

Prior to the clashes, both sides had been asserting that pending the final resolution of the boundary issue, it was necessary to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas.

Singh's review of the situation in eastern Ladakh came a day before he embarks on a three-day visit to Russia to attend a grand military parade in Moscow to mark the 75th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Germany in the Second World War.&nbsp;

The armed forces deployed along the 3,500-km de-facto border with China have been given "full freedom" to give a "befitting" response to any Chinese misadventure, government sources said after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the situation in eastern Ladakh at a meeting with the top military brass on Sunday.

The armed forces deployed along the 3,500-km de-facto border with China have been given "full freedom" to give a "befitting" response to any Chinese misadventure, government sources said after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the situation in eastern Ladakh at a meeting with the top military brass on Sunday. The meeting was attended by Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, Army Chief Gen MM Naravane, Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh and Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria. India has already mobilised fighter jets and sent thousands of additional Army troops to forward locations along the border with China after 20 Indian Army personnel were killed in a brutal attack by Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh's Galwan Valley on June 15. The clash in Galwan Valley, the worst cross-border violence in 45 years, significantly frayed ties between the two countries, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi sending a strong message to China that India wants peace but if provoked, India is capable of giving a befitting reply. In the meeting on Sunday, Singh told the top military officers to maintain a strict vigil on Chinese activities around the land border, the airspace and in strategic sea lanes, the sources said. Following the Galwan incident, military sources said Indian troops will no longer be bound by the long-held practice of not using firearms in faceoffs. The armed forces were told to be fully ready to give a befitting reply to any Chinese misadventure, the sources said, adding a "tough" approach is being adopted to guard the border. Seventy-six Indian soldiers were also injured in the Galwan Valley clash. China's People's Liberation Army has not yet talked about the number of casualties it suffered. The sources said the armed forces have been given full freedom to deal with any act of aggression by China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the de-facto border between the two countries. The two armies had mutually decided not to resort to use firearms during face-offs in sync with provisions of two agreements on border management. The agreements were signed in 1996 and 2005. "Henceforth, our approach will be different. The ground commanders have been given full freedom to take decisions depending on the situation," a top military official told PTI on the condition of anonymity. The IAF has already moved a sizeable number of its frontline Sukhoi 30 MKI, Jaguar, Mirage 2000 aircraft and Apache attack helicopters to several key air bases including Leh and Srinagar in the last five days. The two armies were engaged in a standoff in Galwan and several other areas of eastern Ladakh since May 5 when their troops clashed on the banks of the Pangong Tso. The situation in eastern Ladakh deteriorated after around 250 Chinese and Indian soldiers were engaged in a violent face-off on May 5 and 6. The incident in Pangong Tso was followed by a similar incident in north Sikkim on May 9. Prior to the clashes, both sides had been asserting that pending the final resolution of the boundary issue, it was necessary to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas. Singh's review of the situation in eastern Ladakh came a day before he embarks on a three-day visit to Russia to attend a grand military parade in Moscow to mark the 75th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Germany in the Second World War.

Armed forces told to forcefully deal with Chinese aggression along LAC

All efforts are underway to ensure that the current situation at Line of Actual Control (LAC) is resolved peacefully, said Indian Airfoce (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria.

All efforts are underway to ensure that the current situation at Line of Actual Control (LAC) is resolved peacefully, said Indian Airfoce (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria. Speaking at Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) at Air Force Academy in Hyderabad, Bhadauria said that in spite of unacceptable Chinese action after agreements reached during military talks and the resulting loss of lives, all efforts are underway to ensure current situation along LAC is resolved peacefully. He asked everyone present at the parade to join him in paying tribute to Colonel Santosh Babu and his brave men who made the sacrifice while defending the LAC in Galwan valley. Also read: India to proceed with infrastructure development in key regions along LAC despite hardened obstruction by China ''The gallant actions in a highly-challenging situation have demonstrated our resolve to protect India's sovereignty at any cost,'' he said. ''Security scenario in our region mandates that our Armed Forces remain prepared and vigilant at all times. The development at LAC in Ladakh is a small snapshot of what we are required to handle at short notice,'' Bhadauria said. Also read: Chinese troops did not enter our territory, no posts were taken over: PM Modi at all-party meet ''It should be very clear that we are well prepared and suitably deployed to respond to any contingency. I assure the nation that we are determined to deliver and will never let the sacrifice of the braves of Galwan valley go in vain,'' he added.

All efforts underway to ensure current situation at LAC is resolved peacefully: IAF chief

The People's Liberation Army of China is conducting large-scale military exercises. It is said to be testing the firepower of its troops. Dozens of tanks and armed vehicles were seen taking part in drills here.

The Indian air force is also moving fighter jets to forward bases. Today — it deployed the newly acquired Apache attack helicopters in Ladakh along with upgraded MIG-29s.

Other critical front-line assets like the Sukhoi-30 MKI — the Mirage 2000 and jaguar fighter jets too have been moved to advanced positions, outposts are being monitored frequently.

Indian forces say they are fully prepared for any further misadventures. Delhi is also putting speculation to rest. For 3 days — there have been unconfirmed reports about Indian soldiers being in Chinese custody. That they were being held hostage by the PLA. Today — the Indian army has set the record straight. It has confirmed that all soldiers involved in the Galwan valley are — now — accounted for. None of them is missing in action. The Chinese foreign ministry too has confirmed this.

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India is currently progressively testing China's predominance in the road and air availability in high-elevation extends along the 3,488-km Line of Actual Control (LAC) from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh.

This has chafed China. One of the triggers for the continuous troop showdowns in eastern Ladakh, for example, is India's fruition of the 255-km Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) road a year ago and its new move to manufacturing some extra feeder interface streets and scaffolds.

Reports suggest that China came prepared for a faceoff. It altered the landscape to make way for its troops. It widened the tracks — to clear the way to make river crossings. And then it decided to paint India as the aggressor. China has always had an advantage, but India too — seems better prepared now for any possible incursion. Sources tell us— that Indian army engineers have completed a 60-metre bridge over the Galwan River.

The same bridge which is said to have triggered China's aggression. It’s now complete. And it will consolidate India's hold of the sensitive sector. It will allow Indian infantry to not only swiftly move across the river. PM Modi chaired a virtual all-party meeting today, it was attended by the opposition — and the leaders of various political parties from across India.

They all supported the Govt's response to China, except the communist parties, which reportedly refused to criticise China.

Congress held the Govt responsible for the loss of Indian lives. India fast-tracked road development at the border in recent years.&nbsp;

In 2014, the Govt passed an order that allowed the bro— the border roads organization to construct infrastructure within 100 km of the lac— without seeking repeated clearances. This has resulted in better connectivity for Indian forces. The govt says India will continue to build roads and that upsets China.

The People's Liberation Army of China is conducting large-scale military exercises. It is said to be testing the firepower of its troops. Dozens of tanks and armed vehicles were seen taking part in drills here.

The People's Liberation Army of China is conducting large-scale military exercises. It is said to be testing the firepower of its troops. Dozens of tanks and armed vehicles were seen taking part in drills here. The Indian air force is also moving fighter jets to forward bases. Today — it deployed the newly acquired Apache attack helicopters in Ladakh along with upgraded MIG-29s. Other critical front-line assets like the Sukhoi-30 MKI — the Mirage 2000 and jaguar fighter jets too have been moved to advanced positions, outposts are being monitored frequently. Indian forces say they are fully prepared for any further misadventures. Delhi is also putting speculation to rest. For 3 days — there have been unconfirmed reports about Indian soldiers being in Chinese custody. That they were being held hostage by the PLA. Today — the Indian army has set the record straight. It has confirmed that all soldiers involved in the Galwan valley are — now — accounted for. None of them is missing in action. The Chinese foreign ministry too has confirmed this. India is currently progressively testing China's predominance in the road and air availability in high-elevation extends along the 3,488-km Line of Actual Control (LAC) from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh. This has chafed China. One of the triggers for the continuous troop showdowns in eastern Ladakh, for example, is India's fruition of the 255-km Darbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) road a year ago and its new move to manufacturing some extra feeder interface streets and scaffolds. Reports suggest that China came prepared for a faceoff. It altered the landscape to make way for its troops. It widened the tracks — to clear the way to make river crossings. And then it decided to paint India as the aggressor. China has always had an advantage, but India too — seems better prepared now for any possible incursion. Sources tell us— that Indian army engineers have completed a 60-metre bridge over the Galwan River. The same bridge which is said to have triggered China's aggression. It’s now complete. And it will consolidate India's hold of the sensitive sector. It will allow Indian infantry to not only swiftly move across the river. PM Modi chaired a virtual all-party meeting today, it was attended by the opposition — and the leaders of various political parties from across India. They all supported the Govt's response to China, except the communist parties, which reportedly refused to criticise China. Congress held the Govt responsible for the loss of Indian lives. India fast-tracked road development at the border in recent years. In 2014, the Govt passed an order that allowed the bro— the border roads organization to construct infrastructure within 100 km of the lac— without seeking repeated clearances. This has resulted in better connectivity for Indian forces. The govt says India will continue to build roads and that upsets China.

India to proceed with infrastructure development in key regions along LAC despite hardened obstruction by China

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on Saturday called as "mischievous interpretation" the criticism over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks at an all-party meeting that no one has entered Indian territory or captured any military post while referring to the Galwan Valley clash in eastern Ladakh.

In a statement, the PMO&nbsp;said the focus of Modi's remarks at the meeting on Friday was the events of June 15 at Galwan that led to the loss of lives of 20 Indian military personnel.

"The prime minister's observations that there was no Chinese presence on our side of the LAC (Line of Actual Control) pertained to the situation as a consequence of the bravery of our armed forces," it said.

The Congress as well as a number of strategic affairs experts raised questions over Modi's remarks asking if there was no transgression by the Chinese military in Galwan Valley then where did Indian soldiers die. They also wondered whether Modi gave a clean chit to China over the standoff.

"The sacrifices of the soldiers of the 16 Bihar Regiment foiled the attempt of the Chinese side to erect structures and also cleared the attempted transgression at this point of the LAC on that day," the PMO said.

"The words of the prime minister 'those who tried to transgress our land were taught a befitting lesson by our brave sons of soil', succinctly summed up the ethos and the values of our armed forces," it said.

The PMO said Modi assured that India's armed forces will leave no stone unturned to protect the country's borders.

"Attempts are being made in some quarters to give a mischievous interpretation to remarks by the prime minister at the all-party meeting on Friday," it said.

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on Saturday called as "mischievous interpretation" the criticism over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks at an all-party meeting that no one has entered Indian territory or captured any military post while referring to the Galwan Valley clash in eastern Ladakh.

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on Saturday called as "mischievous interpretation" the criticism over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks at an all-party meeting that no one has entered Indian territory or captured any military post while referring to the Galwan Valley clash in eastern Ladakh. In a statement, the PMO said the focus of Modi's remarks at the meeting on Friday was the events of June 15 at Galwan that led to the loss of lives of 20 Indian military personnel. "The prime minister's observations that there was no Chinese presence on our side of the LAC (Line of Actual Control) pertained to the situation as a consequence of the bravery of our armed forces," it said. The Congress as well as a number of strategic affairs experts raised questions over Modi's remarks asking if there was no transgression by the Chinese military in Galwan Valley then where did Indian soldiers die. They also wondered whether Modi gave a clean chit to China over the standoff. "The sacrifices of the soldiers of the 16 Bihar Regiment foiled the attempt of the Chinese side to erect structures and also cleared the attempted transgression at this point of the LAC on that day," the PMO said. "The words of the prime minister 'those who tried to transgress our land were taught a befitting lesson by our brave sons of soil', succinctly summed up the ethos and the values of our armed forces," it said. The PMO said Modi assured that India's armed forces will leave no stone unturned to protect the country's borders. "Attempts are being made in some quarters to give a mischievous interpretation to remarks by the prime minister at the all-party meeting on Friday," it said. (With inputs from PTI)

Attempts are made to give 'mischievous interpretation' to remarks by PM at all-party meet: PMO

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