The Government of India (GoI,) on the 17th of June, said the Chinese Government is exaggerating claims regarding the Indian soldiers trespassing the China border illegally.
The Central Government in a statement said, China is “making exaggerated and untenable claims” on disputed areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC.)
The Indian Government further said, both Indian and Chinese Army were involved in the dispute on the night of the 15th of June.
The Government also claimed Chinese soldiers took “pre meditated and planned action” Resulting clash at Galwan valley, and death of 20 Indian soldiers.
The statements came as a response to the claims of Chinese Commander, saying India trespassed China border illegally twice on the 15th of June.
Anurag Srivastava, the India’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, said, “As we have conveyed earlier today (Wednesday, the 17th of June) External Affairs Minister and the State Councillor and Foreign Minister of China had a phone conversation on recent developments in Ladakh. Both sides have agreed that the overall situation should be handled in a responsible manner and that the understandings reached between Senior Commanders on June 6 should be implemented sincerely. Making exaggerated and untenable claims are contrary to this understanding.”
During the meeting on June 6, Lieutenant General level talks were held to end the stand off at Pangong Tso and a number of other areas in eastern Ladakh. During the meeting, Indian had pressed for restoration of status quo and immediate withdrawal of a sizeable number of Chinese troops from all the stand off points.
Meanwhile, the Indian Army instructed soldiers to not open fire at Chinese soldiers even if they are armed.
The rule restricting use of weapons is likely to be modified as per the situation.
Meanwhile, on the 17th of June, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh with Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and the three service chiefs reviewed the overall situation in eastern Ladakh.
Stay tuned for further updates.
