Ladakh face-off LIVE: China's claim over Galwan Valley untenable, says MEA

Photo: Reuters
In a steep escalation of the ongoing Sino-Indian border face-off in eastern Ladakh, soldiers of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) attacked and killed 20 Indian soldiers, including a colonel, on Monday night. Four soldiers are in critical condition.

 
In a strong message to China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that India wants peace but is capable of giving a befitting reply, if instigated. "I would like to assure the nation that the sacrifice of our soldiers will not be in vain," he added.

 
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and the two leaders agreed to "cool down" tensions on the ground.

 
PM Narendra Modi has called for an all-party meeting to discuss the situation on June 19 at 5 pm, in which presidents of various parties would take part.

 
Stay tuned with Business Standard for the latest news as it happens.

#WATCH India wants peace but when instigated, India is capable of giving a befitting reply, be it any kind of situation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi pic.twitter.com/rJc0STCwBM

— ANI (@ANI) June 17, 2020

2:46 AM IST Indian banks, including State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda and ICICI Bank, have established a presence in mainland China — Shanghai and Beijing — in line with a rise in bilateral trade and investments. Read on...

2:45 AM IST China lost the top position as India’s biggest trade partner to the US by a slim margin in 2018-19. Yet, it remains the biggest import source for India. Imports from the northern neighbour have been on the wane since 2017-18 when it had peaked to $76 bn. Read on...

2:41 AM IST From toys and plastic goods to sports items, and furniture - goods worth $127 billion - could be placed under restrictions. Read on...

2:38 AM IST The Department of Telecommunications is learnt to have directed state-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam (MTNL) to exclude Chinese gearmakers from supplying 4G telecom equipment. Private telecom operators have been asked to consider staying away from such Chinese firms. Read on..

1:30 AM IST Making exaggerated claims contrary to understanding reached between two sides: MEA on China's claim over Galwan Valley — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 17, 2020

1:23 AM IST China's claim over Galwan Valley untenable: Ministry of External Affairs — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 17, 2020

1:16 AM IST Business Standard Editorial says Govt must desist from airbrushing facts. Read more here

1:09 AM IST US President Donald Trump is aware of the fierce clash between the Indian and Chinese troops in eastern Laddakh, the White House said on Wednesday, stressing that there are no formal plans on mediating between the two countries.   Twenty Indian Army personnel, including a Colonel, were killed in the 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.   “The president is aware of it. We''re monitoring the situation between Indian and Chinese forces along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh,” White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany told reporters when asked about the border clash.   “We have seen the Indian Army statement that 20 Indian soldiers died as a result of the confrontation today, and we extend our deepest condolences on that,” she said.   McEnany stressed that there are no formal plans to mediate between India and China.

12:33 AM IST Former president Pranab Mukherjee says death of Indian Army personnel in face-off with Chinese troops in east Ladakh's Galwan Valley has bruised conscience of nation and all avenues must be explored to avoid its repetition.

11:46 PM IST No formal plans on that: White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany when asked if US President Trump will mediate between India and China (file pic) pic.twitter.com/F5CK6v3gHQ — ANI (@ANI) June 17, 2020

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Govt likely to cut down on 371 Chinese goods

From toys and plastic goods to sports items, and furniture - goods worth $127 billion - could be placed under restrictions. Read on...

Telcos told to stop sourcing Chinese 4G equipment

The Department of Telecommunications is learnt to have directed state-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam (MTNL) to exclude Chinese gearmakers from supplying 4G telecom equipment. Private telecom operators have been asked to consider staying away from such Chinese firms. Read on..

MEA on China's claim over Galwan Valley

China's claim over Galwan Valley untenable: MEA

Questions about the LAC

Business Standard Editorial says Govt must desist from airbrushing facts. Read more here

Trump is aware of India-China border row: White House

US President Donald Trump is aware of the fierce clash between the Indian and Chinese troops in eastern Laddakh, the White House said on Wednesday, stressing that there are no formal plans on mediating between the two countries.
 
Twenty Indian Army personnel, including a Colonel, were killed in the 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.
 
“The president is aware of it. We''re monitoring the situation between Indian and Chinese forces along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh,” White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany told reporters when asked about the border clash.
 
“We have seen the Indian Army statement that 20 Indian soldiers died as a result of the confrontation today, and we extend our deepest condolences on that,” she said.
 
McEnany stressed that there are no formal plans to mediate between India and China.

Nation's conscience bruised: Pranab Mukherjee

Former president Pranab Mukherjee says death of Indian Army personnel in face-off with Chinese troops in east Ladakh's Galwan Valley has bruised conscience of nation and all avenues must be explored to avoid its repetition.

No formal plans: White House Press Secy when asked if Trump will mediate between India and China

Wave of grief as mortal remains of soldiers reach their native places

A wave of grief swept across the country as the mortal remains of the soldiers who laid down their lives fighting the Chinese Army in Galwan Valley in Ladakh were taken to their native places on Wednesday.
 
Anti-China protests were held in several parts of the country, including the national capital, though restrictions were in place on assembly of people due to the coronavirus lockdown.

Armed forces always shown remarkable courage: Modi

Indian forces will give befitting reply: MoS Defence, S Naik

18 soldiers injured in Galwan clash undergoing treatment

Eighteen Army personnel sustained injuries during the violent clash with Chinese troops in Galwan Valley on Monday night and they are undergoing treatment at a military hospital, people familiar with the matter said.
 
Out of 18, four personnel were critically injured but they are responding to treatment and are stable now, they said.
 
Twenty Indian Army personnel including a Colonel were killed in the fierce clash in Galwan. The Chinese side also suffered casualties. China has not yet talked about the number of casualties suffered by the People's Liberation Army.

Indian Army bids adieu to Col Santosh Babu

The Indian Army paid its last respects to Colonel Bikumalla Santosh Babu the brave son of Telangana who made the supreme sacrifice of his life in service to the Nation.
 
The mortal remains of the officer were received at Hakimpet Air Force Station on Wednesday by senior government officials and Military personnel of Headquarters Telangana and Andhra Sub Area with full military honours befitting a soldier, an official release said.
 
Colonel B Santosh Babu, an alumni of Sainik School Korukonda and National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, got commissioned into the Bihar Regiment from Indian Military Academy, Dehradun and went on to complete the Defence Service Staff Course from Wellington before taking over the command of his Battalion, according to the release.

Rajnath Singh meets PM Modi

Lt Guv pays tribute to soldiers killed in clashes

Lt Governor of Ladakh R K Mathur on Wednesday took part in the wreath-laying ceremony for three of the 20 army personnel who lost their lives in a violent clash with the Chinese army in Galwan Valley and said their sacrifice will not go waste.
 
Twenty Indian Army personnel including a colonel were killed in the clash with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on Monday night, the biggest military confrontation in over five decades that has significantly escalated the already volatile border standoff between the two countries.
 
"The sacrifice will not go waste; rather it will strengthen the resolve of Ladakhis and the entire country to protect our border," Mathur said after paying tributes to the fallen soldiers.

Colonel Santosh Babu's mortal remains arrive in Hyderabad

The mortal remains of Colonel B Santosh Babu, who was martyred in a violent clash with Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh, arrived here by a special aircraft on Wednesday. The aircraft landed at Air Force Station Hakimpet at around 8 PM.Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan andstate IT and Industries Minister K T Rama Rao were among those who paid their last respects.

Talks between India and China remained inconclusive: ANI

Oppo cancels live online phone launch in India amid calls to boycott Chinese goods

China's Oppo cancelled the live online launch of its flagship smartphone in India on Wednesday after a border clash between the two countries that has renewed calls from local Indian trader groups to shun Chinese products.
 
Soldiers from India and China fought each other with nail-studded clubs and stones on a disputed Himalayan mountain frontier this week, leading to the death of 20 Indian soldiers in the worst clash since 1967. The clashes risk souring sentiment for big Chinese investors who were eyeing the Indian market and already faced pressure as anti-China sentiment festered during the coronavirus outbreak.
 
Chinese firms such as Great Wall, SAIC and Bytedance have placed major bets on India, where investors like Alibaba also fund many startups. Chinese smartphone brands, including Oppo and Xiaomi, account for eight of every 10 smartphones sold in India. Oppo, which has a phone-assembly plant in India, had earlier announced a "live unveiling" of its new Find X2 smartphone models would be held on Wednesday, but a YouTube link that had to go live at 4 p.m. local time was not available for viewing.
 
To launch the phone, the company instead uploaded a 20-minute, pre-recorded video which included a brief highlight of Oppo's efforts to support Indian authorities in preventing the spread of coronavirus.
 
Oppo did not respond to Reuters' request on why the live launch was cancelled, but a person familiar with the company's thinking said the decision was taken to avoid any possible uproar on social media.

Punjab CM Amarinder Singh announces relief, job for kin of soldiers killed in Galwan clash

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Wednesday announced compensation and a job to the next of kin of each of the four soldiers from the state killed in a violent face-off with the Chinese army in Ladakh. At least 20 Indian Army personnel were killed in the clash on Monday night.
 
The Punjab CM also extended his heartfelt condolences to families of the soldiers--Naib Subedar Satnam Singh (Gurdaspur), Naib Subedar Mandeep Singh (Patiala), Sepoy Gurbinder Singh (Sangrur) and Sepoy Gurtej Singh (Mansa).
 
The loss suffered by the families is immeasurable and cannot be compensated with material things but the compensation and the jobs will help alleviate some of their sufferings, said Singh in a press release, paying his tributes to the four men. The CM said cabinet ministers will represent the state government at their funerals, which will be held with full Army honours at their native places.
 
He directed respective district administrations to make all arrangements, befitting the occasion and for receiving the bodies of the fallen soldiers. While one family member each will be given a government job in all four cases, families of Naib Subedar Mandeep Singh and Naib Subedar Santnam Singh will be given a relief of Rs 12 lakh each in line with the government policy on account of their marital status.
 
The families of the two unmarried soldiers, Sepoy Gurtej Singh and Sepoy Gurbinder Singh, will be given Rs 10 lakh each as compensation (Rs 5 lakh as ex-gratia and Rs 5 lakh in lieu of land).

Chinese nationals in India fear backlash, anxious over anti-China sentiments

The border clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers in Ladakh broke the brittle quiet and also the sense of security for anxious Chinese nationals in India who fear a backlash with anti-Chinese sentiment spiralling in the country.
 
On Wednesday, a day after news of the high altitude violent face-off in eastern Ladakh's Galwan Valley and amid rising talk of boycotting Chinese goods on WhatsApp and other social media, the undercurrent of tension was evident. Wary of being identified, some said they had been reassured by their friends but were still apprehensive for themselves and their families.
 
Adding to their anxiety was news of protests. A group of ex-armymen gathered near the Chinese embassy to protestthe killing of 20 Indian Army personnel in Ladakh's Galwan Valley. And another group of around 10 protesters belonging to the Swadeshi Jagaran Manch protested near the Teen Murti roundabout in Central Delhi.
 
"They (Chinese families) don't want to speak to the media. They are not going out and are worried about their security and well being. Their families are also worried back home," Mohammed Saqib, secretary general of the India China Economic & Cultural Council, told PTI.
 
He added that Chinese nationals who are friends with him have been calling him since news of the conflict the worst military confrontation in five decades -- and expressed concern over growing anti-China sentiments.

Ladakh face-off LIVE: Anger against China spills on to streets in Gujarat

The death of 20 Indian soldiers along the LAC in Ladakh on Wednesday triggered protests across Gujarat with people breaking China-made electronic gadgets and calling for boycott of Chinese products. Twenty Indian Army personnel, including a colonel, were killed in a fierce clash with the Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on Monday night. It is the biggest military confrontation in over five decades that has significantly escalated the already volatile border standoff in the region.
 
People took to the streets in Ahmedabad, Vadodara and Surat cities and set fire to the Chinese flag and photos of the neighbouring country's President Xi Jinping. Protesters urged the Modi government to ensure that martyrdom of the soldiers in the Galwan Valley did not go in vain.
 
In Surat, residents of a housing society unanimously decided to boycott Chinese products and also broke a China- made LCD TV in front of media persons to express their protest against the neighbouring country.
 
"We hereby boycott all Chinese products" - read a notice board at the Panchratna Garden Society in Varachha area of the diamond city. "It's time we teach China a lesson. We all have decided not to use Chinese products from now on, whether it is TV, mobile phone or any other electronic item. "We urge countrymen to follow the suit," said Gopal Sharma, a resident of the society.

Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik announces ex-gratia of Rs 25 lakh for families of martyred soldiers in Galwan Valley clashes

LAC LIVE: Russia hopes China, India will resolve border conflict themselves

Russia on Wednesday said it is concerned over a fierce clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers in eastern Ladakh, but believes that both of its close allies can resolve the conflict themselves. Twenty Indian Army personnel, including a Colonel, were killed in the 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.
 
"Certainly, we are watching with great attention what is happening on the Chinese-Indian border. We believe that this is a very alarming report," Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. "But we consider that the two countries are capable of taking necessary steps to prevent such situations in the future and to ensure that there is predictability and stability in the region and that this is a safe region for nations, first of all, China and India," Russian news agency Tass quoted Peskov as saying.
 
The Kremlin spokesman emphasised that China and India are Russia's close partners and allies, and "have very close and mutually beneficial relations (with Russia) built on mutual respect."
 
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Russia welcomed contacts between the two nations to de-escalate the situation.

Foreign ministers of Russia, India and China are scheduled to meet via video conference on June 23

Sunil Chhetri calls for deliberation across table in India-China stand-off

Indian football team captain Sunil Chhetri on Wednesday called for negotiations between India and China while paying tribute to the Indian soldiers who were martyred in the Galwan Valley clash.
 
Twenty Indian Army men, including officers, were killed in an unprecedented violent clash with Chinese People's Liberation Army troops at Galwan Valley in Eastern Ladakh on Monday night, the Indian Army said in a statement on Tuesday. Chhetri said that the matter should be resolved across the table and not at the border for the sake of the army personnel who died and those who are still in danger.
 
"I can only hope that the families of those who have laid down their lives find strength to deal with their losses," he added. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India won't tolerate any misadventures when it comes to defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
 
"I would like to assure the nation that the sacrifice of our jawans will not go in vain. For us, the unity and sovereignty of the country are important. India wants peace but when instigated, India is capable of giving a befitting reply," PM Modi said during his meeting with the chief ministers on the COVID-19 pandemic.

India will take back every inch of its territory from China: Harish Rawat

Congress General Secretary and former Uttarakhand chief minister Harish Rawat on Wednesday said that India will take back every inch of its territory from China and not let the sacrifices of its troops go in vain.
 
"China has stabbed India from the back. 20 Indian army personnel lost their lives in the Galwan valley in Ladakh. We will not let the sacrifices of our brave soldiers go in vain. The entire country is standing firmly behind its armed forces," Rawat said. "Our enemies should know that in 1971, India had heralded the birth of a new nation on the map of the world. In 1965 and 1999, Indian forces had driven away Pakistan from its territory. They should know that India will take back every inch of its territory from China," he added.
 
At least 20 Indian Army personnel, including a Colonel, were killed in the violent face-off with the Chinese security forces in the intervening night of June 15 and 16.

LIVE: Indian Army, Navy and Air Force put on high alert after Galwan Valley clash

Front-line bases of the Indian army and the air force along the nearly 3,500 km de-facto border with China were Wednesday put on high alert in view of the worst border clash between Indian and Chinese troops in Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh that left 20 Army personnel dead, official sources said.
 
The Indian Navy has also been asked to raise its alert level in the Indian Ocean Region where the Chinese Navy has been making regular forays. The decision to raise the alert level of the three forces were taken at a high-level meeting Defense Minister Rajnath Singh held with Chief of Defense Staff Gen Bipin Rawat and the three service chiefs, sources said.

The Army has already rushed in additional troops to all its key front-line bases and formations along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh, they said.
 

We welcome all steps aimed at de-escalation at the Line of Actual Control: Ambassador of Russia to India

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.
 
"Seeing the violent behaviour of China, the Indian government should not only give a strategic but an economic reply also to them, he said. "All contracts awarded to Chinese companies should be suspended with immediate effect and there should be restraint on imports from China," Yadav said.
 
The clash took place on Monday night in the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh.

Chinese foreign minister calls S Jaishankar; both leaders agree to 'cool down' tensions

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and the two leaders agreed to "cool down" tensions on the ground "as soon as possible" and maintain peace and tranquility in the border area in accordance with the agreement reached between the two countries, an official statement said.
 
The telephonic conversation between the two ministers came after 20 Indian Army personnel were killed in the clashes with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on Monday night, the biggest military confrontation in over five decades that has significantly escalated the already volatile border standoff between the two countries.
 
During the telephonic conversation, Jaishankar conveyed to Wang India's protest in the strongest terms on the violent face-off and said the unprecedented development will have "serious impact" on bilateral ties. He asked the Chinese side to reassess its actions and take corrective steps, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement in New Delhi.
 
"The Chinese side took pre-meditated and planned action that was directly responsible for the resulting violence and casualties. It reflected an intent to change the facts on ground in violation of all our agreements to not change the status quo," Jaishankar told Wang.
 
The Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the two sides agreed to deal "fairly" with the serious events caused by the conflict in the Galwan Valley, jointly abide by the consensus reached at the military-level meetings between the two sides, "cool down the situation on the ground as soon as possible", and maintain peace and tranquility in the border area in accordance with the agreement reached so far between the two countries.
 
During the conversation, Wang said the two sides should follow the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and strengthen the communication and coordination on the proper handling of the border situation through the existing channels so as to jointly maintain peace and tranquility in the border area, according to the statement.

Sacrifices of our soldiers in Galwan will not go in vain: Indian Army

Indian Army said on Wednesday that sacrifices of its soldiers who laid down their lives in the violent face-off with China in Galwan valley will not go in vain.
 
In a strong message to China after the killing of at least 20 Indian soldiers in the violent face-off with Chinese troops, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that India wants peace but is capable of giving a befitting reply, if instigated.
 
At least 20 Indian Army personnel, including a Colonel rank officer, had lost their lives in the violent face-off in the Galwan valley area of Ladakh on June 15.
 
The violent face-off happened in Galwan valley as a result of an attempt by the Chinese troops to "unilaterally change" the status quo during de-escalation in Eastern Ladakh and the situation could have been avoided if the agreement at the higher level been scrupulously followed by the Chinese side, India said on June 16.

Indian soldiers displayed exemplary courage: Adityanath on Galwan Valley clash

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday said the Indian soldiers who lost their lives in a violent clash with the Chinese army in Ladakh's Galwan Valley displayed exemplary courage and their supreme sacrifice will always be remembered.
 
According to the Indian Army, 20 soldiers, including a Colonel, were killed in the clash on Monday night. In his condolence message, Adityanath said the supreme sacrifice of the soldiers, who displayed exemplary courage for the security of the nation and gave their lives, would always be remembered, according to a government release.
 
He also paid homage to Havidar Vipul Rai, a native of Meerut district, who was among the 20 soldiers killed in Monday's face-off.

All those who laid down their lives in Galwan valley of Ladakh have upheld best traditions of Indian armed forces: President Kovind

Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, Kangana Ranaut, others pay tribute to soldiers martyred in Galwan face-off

Several Bollywood celebrities took to social media on Wednesday and paid tribute to the soldiers who were killed in violent face-off with Chinese troops in Ladakh's Galwan valley. Top celebrities including actors Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Anil Kapoor, and others paid homage to Army personnel who gave the supreme sacrifice for the nation. Megastar Salman Khan took to Twitter to mourn the demise of the brave hearts.
 
"My heart goes out to all brave hearts who hv laid down their lives at the Galwan valley. This sacrifice will not go to waste. I join their families in grief... #JaiHind #WeStandWithIndianArmy," tweeted Khan.
 
Senior actor Anil Kapoor also extended condolences to the families of the soldiers as he tweeted, " my heartfelt condolences to the families of our brave soldiers who lost their sons... The county owes you a great debt of gratitude."
 
'Queen' actor Kangana Ranaut's team shared a list of the 20 soldiers who lost their life in the face-off and tweeted her message for the bravehearts.
 
"We salute our bravehearts who sacrificed their lives in defense of our nation. Their supreme sacrifice in the line of duty at #Ladakh shall never ever be forgotten. We stand firmly with our armed forces. Jai Hind! #ChinaIndiaFaceoff #Saluteindianarmy," tweeted Kangana's team.
 
"We will forever be indebted to the invaluable service of our soldiers. #GalwanValley," tweeted Disha Patani.
 
Actor Kareena Kapoor Khan on the other hand, took to Instagram to post the condolence message.
 
"Condolences to the Bravehearts who lost their lives. Thank You for all the sacrifices," read Kareena's message.
 
Kartik Aaryan posted a picture of the Indian national flag on Instagram and wrote, "They do it for all of us. A big salute to all the brave men who show us what real sacrifice means."
 
"Thank you for protecting us. May the families of martyred heroes be blessed with immense strength. Jai Hind Jai Jawan," wrote Aaryan.
 
Twenty Indian soldiers were killed in the violent face-off, government sources Indian intercepts revealed that the Chinese side suffered 43 casualties including dead and seriously injured in the violent clash.

Galwan Valley incident will have serious impact on bilateral ties: India tells China

In a strong message, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday told his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi that the unprecedented incident in Galwan Valley will have a serious impact on the bilateral relationship and asked China to take corrective steps. Jaishankar and Wang held a telephonic conversation in the wake of Monday night's violent clash between the two armies in Galwan Valley in which 20 Indian Army personnel including a Colonel were killed.
 
"The external affairs minister conveyed the protest of the government of India in the strongest terms on the violent face-off in Galwan Valley on June 15," the Ministry of External Affairs said.
 
It said Jaishankar referred to a meeting between senior military commanders of the two sides on June 6 where an agreement was reached on de-escalation and disengagement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Jaishankar conveyed to Wang that while there was some progress on the situation, the Chinese side sought to erect a structure in Galwan valley on the Indian side of the LAC.
 
"While this became a source of dispute, the Chinese side took pre-meditated and planned action that was directly responsible for the resulting violence and casualties," the MEA said giving details of the conversation.
 
Jaishankar conveyed that it reflected an intent to change the facts on ground in violation of all the agreements to not change the status quo.
 
"The External Affairs Minister underlined that this unprecedented development will have a serious impact on the bilateral relationship. The need of the hour was for the Chinese side to reassess its actions and take corrective steps," the MEA said. "The two sides should scrupulously and sincerely implement the understanding that was reached by the senior commanders on June 6," it said.
 
"Troops of both sides should also abide by the bilateral agreements and protocols. They should strictly respect and observe the Line of Actual Control and should not take any unilateral action to alter it," the MEA said.
 
In the talks, it was agreed that the overall situation would be handled in a responsible manner, and both sides would implement the disengagement understanding of June 6 sincerely, the MEA said.

We are proud of our nation, we will fight this together: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee

We are proud of our nation, we will fight this together. We stand with the nation at this hour: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee on all party-meeting called by PM on June 19 over India-China face-off

India will have to make reappraisal of foreign and defence policy towards China: Former Indian Ambassador

Former Indian Ambassador to China Gautam Bambawale on Wednesday said that in the wake of the violent clash between the Indian and Chinese troops in Galwan valley in Ladakh, India will have to make a reappraisal of its foreign and defence policy towards China.
 
"This is a very serious situation as for the first time in almost 35-40 years there have been deaths on both sides. I think this is a very serious situation. I think India will have to make a reappraisal of its policy to China and then we will have to implement a recalibrated policy, both foreign policy and defence policy, towards China," Bambawale told ANI.
 
"We must understand what has happened. From early May this year, what the Chinese PLA has been trying to do is it has been trying to occupy the ground position on the basis of what is their idea or perception of the LAC. We don't agree with their idea or the perception of the LAC and therefore Indian troops in early May of this year stopped the Chinese troops from advancing. There has been a standoff for so many weeks. And when there are troops from the two armies are in such close proximity to each other there is always the probability of it spiralling out of control. And unfortunately, that is what has happened on the night of June 15-16," he added.
 
Bambawale further said that the clashes happened when talks were on between the two sides.

Punjab CM announces Rs 12 lakh ex-gratia for families of martyred soldiers in Galwan Valley clashes

LAC tensions LIVE: City importers holding back orders to China after Galwan Valley clash

City-based importers have started holding back their orders to China after the death of Indian Army personnel in a fierce clash with the People's Liberation Army in Galwan valley of eastern Ladakh. A large range of consumer products from toys to lights and indusial items are imported from China, president of Calcutta Customs House Agents Association, Sujit Chakrabarty said.
 
"The combined trade with China is already down by 30 to 40 per cent due to the lockdown related disruptions. With this (Galwan valley clash) development, importers are holding back their new order placement. "Exporters are also expressing concerns," he told PTI.
 
The Chairman of Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC), Ravi Sehgal, said there could be a temporary hit in engineering goods export to China as exporters and importers normally do not mix politics with business.
 
"Exporters might be a bit cautious but unless there are payment concerns, exports will stay normal in the midterm," he said.
 
China is one of the two countries out of the top 25 destinations of India's engineering exports which managed a positive year-on-year growth in April 2020, while the rest conceded massive contraction up to 91 per cent in some cases due to the hugely disruptive impact of Covid-19. Trade with China account for about 20 per cent of the total cargo handled by Kolkata Port Trust.

LIVE: Chinese foreign minister calls S Jaishankar, discusses LAC issue

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and the two leaders agreed to "cool down" tensions on the ground "as soon as possible" and maintain peace and tranquility in the border area in accordance with the agreement reached between the two countries, an official statement said here.
 
The telephonic conversation between the two ministers came after 20 Indian Army personnel were killed in the clashes with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on Monday night, the biggest military confrontation in over five decades that has significantly escalated the already volatile border standoff between the two countries.
 
In a statement, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said the two sides agreed to deal "fairly" with the serious events caused by the conflict in the Galwan Valley, jointly abide by the consensus reached at the military-level meetings between the two sides, "cool down the situation on the ground as soon as possible", and maintain peace and tranquility in the border area in accordance with the agreement reached so far between the two countries.
 
During the telephonic conversation, Jaishankar conveyed to Wang India's protest in the strongest terms on the violent face-off and said the unprecedented development will have "serious impact" on bilateral ties.He asked the Chinese side to reassess its actions and take corrective steps.
 
"The Chinese side took pre-meditated and planned action that was directly responsible for the resulting violence and casualties. It reflected an intent to change the facts on ground in violation of all our agreements to not change the status quo," he told Wang.
 
Wang said the two sides should follow the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and strengthen the communication and coordination on the proper handling of the border situation through the existing channels so as to jointly maintain peace and tranquility in the border area, according to the statement.
 
India on Tuesday said the violent face-off between the armies of India and China in eastern Ladakh was the result of an attempt by the Chinese side to unilaterally change the status quo in the region.
 
The Ministry of External Affairs said both sides suffered casualties that could have been avoided had the agreement arrived earlier at the higher level been scrupulously followed by the Chinese side.
 
Wang emphasized that both China and India are emerging powers with a population of over one billion people, and accelerating "our own development and revitalisation is our respective historical missions".
 
For this reason, mutual respect and mutual support is the right direction for the two sides, which is in the long-term interests of the two countries; "mutual suspicion and mutual friction are evil paths, and contrary to the fundamental aspirations of the two peoples," he said. The Chinese foreign minister also alleged that on the evening of June 15, the Indian front-line frontier troops "blatantly broke the consensus" reached at the military-level meeting between the two sides.
 
Once the situation in the Galwan Valley has calmed down, they "crossed the LAC again and deliberately provoked and violently attacked" the officers and soldiers who negotiated on the spot, leading to fierce physical clashes, resulting in casualties, he claimed.
 
He said this "dangerous act of the Indian army seriously violated the agreement reached between the two countries on the border issue and seriously violated the basic norms of international relations." Wang demanded the Indian side to conduct a "thorough investigation" on this, "severely punish those responsible" for the incident, "strictly control the frontline troops", and "immediately stop all provocative actions" to ensure that such incidents cannot occur again.
 
"The Indian side must not misjudge the current situation, and must not underestimate China's firm will to safeguard the territorial sovereignty," he added.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee announces compensation for families of two martyred soldiers in Galwan Valley clashes

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Wednesday announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh and a government job for kin of each of the two soldiers from the state who died during clashes with the Chinese army at Galwan Valley on Monday. Rajesh Orang of Birbhum district and Bipul Roy of Alipurduar were among the 20 Indian Army personnel killed in the fierce clash on Monday night.
 
My heartfelt condolences to the families of the brave men martyred at #GalwanValley. I'm at pain to say that two of them belonged to West Bengal: Sepoy Rajesh Orang (Vill Belgoria, PS Md Bazar, Birbhum) & Bipul Roy on General Duty (Vill Bindipara, PS Samuktala, Alipurduar), Banerjee tweeted.
 
"Nothing can compensate for the supreme sacrifice made by them for the nation or the bereaved families' loss. We stand by the next of the sons of our soil in this difficult time. To this regard, we'll provide Rs 5 lakh & a GoWB job to one member in the deceased's family, she said.

Eastern Ladakh stand-ff LIVE: Grieving family members of martyred Galwan Valley soldiers

LAC tiff LIVE: EAM S Jaishankar speaks to Chinese counterpart over situation on LAC

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday spoke on the phone and discussed the situation in Eastern Ladakh. The telephonic conversation came in the backdrop of a violent face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in Ladakh's Galwan Valley in which both sides suffered casualties in Ladakh's Galwan Valley.
 
Twenty Indian Army personnel, including a Colonel, were killed in the violent face-off. Indian intercepts have revealed that the Chinese side suffered 43 casualties including dead and seriously injured in the violent clash. The commanding officer of the Chinese Unit is among those killed, sources confirmed to ANI. Earlier in the day, China said that it does not wish to see "more clashes" with India.
 
"From the Chinese side, we do not wish to see more clashes," said Zhao Lijian, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson. "We are having communication through diplomatic and military channels. The right and wrong of this is very clear... The incident happened on the Chinese side of Line of Actual Control (LAC) and China is not to blame for it," he added.
 
On Tuesday, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava had said that violent face-off happened on late evening and night of June 15 in the Galwan Valley was caused by Chinese troops' attempt to "unilaterally change" the status quo during de-escalation, and the situation could have been avoided if the agreement at the higher level been scrupulously followed by the Chinese side.
 
Srivastava said both sides suffered casualties in the violent face-off and the Chinese side departed from the consensus to respect the LAC (Line of Actual Control) in the Galwan Valley. Responding to media queries on the situation in the western sector of the India-China border, Srivastava had said that India and China have been discussing through military and diplomatic channels the de-escalation of the situation in the border area in Eastern Ladakh.

Govt should tell how 20 jawans were martyred, how China grabbed our land: Randeep Surjewala

Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala on Wednesday slammed Centre over the violent face-off with Chinese in Galwan valley in which 20 Indian Army personnel lost their lives, saying that government should take citizens into confidence and tell them how China grabbed our land and how 20 jawans were martyred.
 
"Twenty soldiers were martyred but government kept silent. Government should take citizens into confidence and tell them how China grabbed our land, how 20 jawans were martyred, what is the current situation and what is government's strategy to deal with the issue," he said during a press meet.
 
At least 20 Indian Army personnel, including a Colonel rank officer, had lost their lives in the violent face-off in the Galwan valley area of Ladakh on June 15. The violent face-off happened in Galwan valley as a result of an attempt by the Chinese troops to "unilaterally change" the status quo during de-escalation in Eastern Ladakh and the situation could have been avoided if the agreement at the higher level been scrupulously followed by the Chinese side, India said on June 16.
 
Prime Minister Modi has called for an all-party meeting to discuss the situation in the India-China border areas on June 19.

What happened in Galwan was premeditated and planned action by China: ANI quotes Indian Foreign Minister as saying

Wang Yi-S Jaishankar talks: Strong message conveyed by Indian Foreign Minister to China, “What happened in Galwan was premeditated and planned action by China which was responsible for the sequence of events.”: ANI

LAC stand-ff LIVE: Why insult Indian Army by not naming China in your tweet? Rahul Gandhi slams Rajnath Singh

India will always remain indebted to soldiers for their supreme sacrifice in Ladakh: Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said India will always remain indebted to its soldiers who lost their lives in Ladakh's Galwan protecting the country's territory, and their bravery reflects the country's commitment towards the motherland. In a series of tweets, Shah said the pain of losing the brave soldiers at Ladakh's Galwan cannot be put in words.
 
"India will always remain indebted for their supreme sacrifice. Entire nation and Modi government stands firmly with their families in this hour of grief. Praying for the speedy recovery of those injured," he said.
 
The home minister said the nation salutes the immortal heroes who sacrificed their lives to keep Indian territory safe and secure. "Their bravery reflects India's commitment towards her land," he said, adding, "I bow to the families who have blessed Indian Army with such great heroes".
 
Twenty Indian soldiers, including a colonel, were killed on Monday evening in a clash with Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh's Galwan Valley. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the sacrifice of the Indian soldiers will not go in vain. He also said that India wants peace but is capable of giving a befitting reply, if instigated.
 
For us, the unity and sovereignty of the country is most important, Modi said in his opening remarks on day two of the virtual conference with chief ministers on coronavirus. The opposition had been questioning the government's "silence" on the biggest ever military confrontation between the two armies in over five decades.

Ladakh situation arose just because of diplomatic short-sightedness of Modi govt: Congress leader

What happened to the 'swing diplomacy' of 2014? Ladakh situation arose just because of diplomatic short-sightedness of Modi govt: Congress leader Adhir Chowdhury

China has breached India's trust: Uttarakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat on Wednesday said by assaulting unarmed Indian soldiers, China has once again breached India's trust as it did in 1962. But China must realise it is not the India of 1962, he said.
 
"Our soldiers were unarmed. They didn't even have a baton in hand. By attacking them, China has breached India's trust as it had done in 1962," Rawat told reporters while paying tribute to Indian soldiers who were killed in the face-off along the LAC in Ladakh. "But the supreme sacrifice by our soldiers should make China realise that it is not the India of 1962. It is capable of facing anyone. China should come out of its illusion," the chief minister said.
 
"They (Indian soldiers) went to negotiate peace but were assaulted treacherously. However, our soldiers fought back with valour. I salute their courage and sacrifice," Rawat said.

General M M Naravane COAS and all ranks salute the supreme sacrifice of our valiant soldiers at Galwan Valley: Indian Army

We encourage both sides to show restraint and to engage in military de-escalation: EU Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs

In light of recent worrying developments along 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

PM Modi should tell nation how Chinese occupied Indian territory: Sonia Gandhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi should tell the country how the Chinese occupied Indian territory and why 20 soldiers were killed, Congress president Sonia Gandhi said Wednesday. Her statement comes after 20 Indian Army personnel, including a Colonel, were killed in a violent clash with the Chinese army in the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on Monday night.
 
"Today when there is so much anger over Chinese intrusion, the prime minister should come out and tell the nation how the Chinese managed to commit this act of aggression," Gandhi said in a video message
 
The Congress chief also asked how much of Indian territory has been occupied by China and what is the government's strategy to deal with the situation. Gandhi said in this time of crisis, the Congress stands with the Indian Army, its soldiers and their families, and the government.
 
"The prime minister should tell the nation how the Chinese occupied Indian territory and why 20 of our brave soldiers were martyred," she asked. "I'm confident that the entire country will unite to face the enemy in these challenging times," she said.

India stands firmly united behind its armed forces in this challenging time: Congress

India wants peace but capable of giving befitting reply if instigated: PM Narendra Modi

In a strong message to China after the killing of at least 20 Indian soldiers in the violent face-off with Chinese troops, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that India wants peace but is capable of giving a befitting reply, if instigated.
 
"We have prayed for the welfare of humanity. We have always worked with neighbouring countries in a friendly way and cooperation. We have always tried that our differences should not turn into disputes. We never provoke anyone. But we can never compromise on country's integrity and sovereignty. We have always displayed our power in protecting the country's integrity and sovereignty," the Prime Minister said.
 
"I would like to assure the nation that the sacrifice of our soldiers will not be in vain. For us, the unity and sovereignty of the country are most important. And no one can stop protecting our country. India wants peace but it is capable of giving a befitting reply if provoked. "The country is proud of them as they sacrificed their lives while killing the enemy," he added.
 
The Prime Minister, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Ministers of 15 States and Union Territories, who are present in the meeting via video-conferencing today, observed a two-minute silence as a tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives in the violent face-off.
 
At least 20 Indian Army personnel, including a Colonel rank officer, had lost their lives in the violent face-off in the Galwan valley area of Ladakh on June 15. The violent face-off happened in Galwan valley as a result of an attempt by the Chinese troops to "unilaterally change" the status quo during de-escalation in Eastern Ladakh and the situation could have been avoided if the agreement at the higher level been scrupulously followed by the Chinese side, India said on June 16.
 
Prime Minister Modi has called for an all-party meeting to discuss the situation in the India-China border areas on June 19.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee announces compensation of Rs 500,000 and govt job to one family member each of two martyred soldiers

My son sacrificed his life for the nation. I have two grandsons, I will send them too: Father of martyred Galwan Vally soldier

Congress urges the Centre to come clean on India-China LAC stand-off

The Congress on Wednesday held the Narendra Modi-led central government responsible for the violent face-off with Chinese troops at Galwan Valley in Ladakh wherein 20 Indian soldiers were martyred.
 
Prime minister Narendra Modi and his government is quiet now. The country had not expected that the government's silence of 40 days will result in this, AICC spokesperson Randeep Surjewala told reporters at a hotel. The country had to see the heart wrenching day due to the failure of the Centre, he said.
 
Saying that China captured India's land and soldiers got martyred, Surjewala asked what did the prime minister and defense minister do except for keeping silence.
 
He said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders have often urged the Centre to come clean on the situation at the border and how much area the Chinese had captured. But a careless and failed government kept busy in conspiracies to topple the governments of opposition parties and hid the truth of the border from the country. The priority of the BJP government is not the country, but rule of the party, he alleged.
 
There is a ban on questions' and information' in the Modi government. Today everything is being hidden from the country. But does the Modi government have any answer for those mothers who sacrificed their sons for defending the country? he said.
 
Surjewala said the entire country and the Congress party was standing with the government on every issue of national security and integrity, but the government will have to take the nation into confidence. The prime minister will have to tell the truth of how China occupied our land and how our 20 soldiers got martyred. What is the situation today on the ground and how many our officers and soldiers are missing or injured, he said.
 
Now it is the responsibility of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the government to take the country and the countrymen into confidence, he added. Twenty Indian Army personnel including a colonel were killed in a fierce clash with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on Monday night, the biggest military confrontation in over five decades that has significantly escalated the already volatile border standoff in the region.

PM Modi should tell the truth to the country that how did China occupy our land and why did our 20 soldiers lose their lives: Sonia Gandhi

Galwan Valley LIVE: 'Don't wish to see more clashes with India', says China

After Monday's violent face-off between Chinese and Indian troops in the Galwan valley in eastern Ladakh area, China on Wednesday said that it does not wish to see "more clashes" with India.
 
"From the Chinese side, we do not wish to see more clashes," said Zhao Lijian, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson on Galwan valley clash, which caused causalities on both sides. "We are having communication through diplomatic and military channels. The right and wrong of this is very clear... The incident happened on the Chinese side of Line of Actual Control (LAC) and China is not to blame for it," Lijian added.
 
Beijing even went on to claim the sovereignty over the Galwan valley area and accused India of violating border protocols.
 
"The sovereignty of the Galwan valley area has always belonged to China. The Indian border troops flip-flopped and seriously violated our border protocols on border-related issues and the consensus of our commander level talks," Lijian said.
 
He further asked India to "strictly discipline its frontline troops, stop infringing and provocative activity at once and work with China and come back to the right track of resolving the differences through dialogue and talk."
 
On Tuesday, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava had said that violent face-off happened on late evening and night of June 15 in the Galwan valley was caused by Chinese troops' attempt to "unilaterally change" the status quo during de-escalation and the situation could have been avoided if the agreement at the higher level been scrupulously followed by the Chinese side.
 
Srivastava had said both sides suffered casualties in the violent face-off and the Chinese side departed from the consensus to respect the LAC in the Galwan valley. Responding to media queries on the situation in the western sector of the India-China border, Srivastava had said that India and China have been discussing through military and diplomatic channels the de-escalation of the situation in the border area in Eastern Ladakh.

Sacrifice of our 20 jawans has shaken the conscience of the nation: Sonia Gandhi

We have tried that differences do not become disputes: PM Modi on Ladakh face-off


India wants peace but when instigated, India is capable of giving a befitting reply, be it any kind of situation: PM Modi

Galwan Valley clash LIVE: PM Narendra Modi, others observe two-minute silence as a tribute to the soldiers

The sacrifice of our jawans will not be in vain: PM Narendra Modi

June 15 incident reflects failure of confidence-building measures in place between India and China: Expert

The June 15 violent face-off between India and China at the Galwan valley area reflects a collapse of the disengagement process and of the confidence-building measures (CBMs) in place between the two countries, according to China expert Professor Srikanth Kondapalli.
 
Talking to ANI on Wednesday, Prof Kondapalli said that governments of both countries first need to conduct an investigation to take stock of what happened on the day, and then take the required actions based on its findings.
 
"The incident at Galwan valley reflects the failure of CBMs in place between India and China. The CBMs have evolved in 1993, 1996 and 2013 agreements. As a result, there were some procedures that they had to follow in order to disengage or de-escalate. On June 6, both sides agreed to disengage but this process could not effectively be implemented as a result we have seen these numbers of causalities. Chinese reports suggest 45-50 causalities on their side. This suggests that it was a very violent clash," Prof Kondapalli said.
 
"So the first thing that the two governments need to see is what has happened in the area. Why the commander's conference on June 6 was not implemented? What problems did they face when implementing the orders of the June 6 meeting? They first need to take stock of the situation. They will see if the current CBMs can be implemented or if there is a need for new CBMs to follow," he added.
 
At least 20 Indian Army personnel, including a Colonel rank officer, had lost their lives in the violent face-off in the Galwan valley area of Ladakh.

Wreath laying of Indian Army soldiers who lost their lives in Galwan Valley clash

PM Modi calls for all-party meet on June 19 to discuss situation in India-China border areas

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday called for an all-party meeting to be held on June 19 to discuss the situation at the border areas with China. The virtual conference meeting, presided by PM Modi, will be attended by presidents of various political parties in the country.
 
"In order to discuss the situation in the India-China border areas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for an all-party meeting at 5 PM on 19th June. Presidents of various political parties would take part in this virtual meeting," a tweet by the PMO India read.
 
At least 20 Indian Army personnel, including a Colonel rank officer, had lost their lives in the violent face-off in the Galwan valley area of Ladakh on June 15.
 
The violent face-off happened on late evening and the night of June 15 in Ladakh's Galwan Valley as a result of an attempt by the Chinese troops to "unilaterally change" the status quo during de-escalation in Eastern Ladakh and the situation could have been avoided if the agreement at the higher level been scrupulously followed by the Chinese side, India said on June 16.
 
The Chinese side also suffered casualties, including the death of the commanding officer of the Chinese Unit involved in the violent face-off with Indian troops, sources confirmed to ANI.

Wreath laying of Indian Army soldiers who lost their lives in Galwan Valley clash

China is not to be blamed regarding the latest incident, says Chinese foreign ministry: Reuters

India-China face-ff LIVE: Trinamool Congress questions PM Modi's 'silence' on Ladakh clash

Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra on Wednesday questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "silence" on the Ladakh face-off, and wondered whether it would be anti-national to seek answers from the Centre.
 
Twenty Indian Army personnel including a colonel were killed in the clash with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on Monday night, the biggest military confrontation in over five decades that has significantly escalated the already volatile border standoff in the region.
 
"Incredible how BJP won 2019 by tomtoming 'surgical strikes' of which we never saw any actual proof & now that 20 real faces of our dead soldiers stare at us, the PM is silent," Moitra tweeted. "Last time this happened in span of 1 week? 1. 20 deaths along LAC during a "de-escalation" mission 2. Friendliest neighbour unilaterally amends political map w/o talks 3. Indian deaths on 3 borders -China, Pak, Nepal.Anti-national to ask why. Sedition to ask how," the party spokesperson said in another tweet.
 
Nepal has released a new political map of the country featuring disputed areas of Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura which India has been maintaining as part of its territories.

Ladakh face-off LIVE: Delhi Police detain Army veterans protesting outside Chinese Embassy

The Delhi Police on Wednesday detained Army veterans and Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) members, who were protesting outside the Chinese Embassy here against the killing of 20 Indian Army soldiers in Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on Monday night by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) troops.
 
The protest outside the Chinese Embassy was supposed to be a representation by the Martyrs Welfare Foundation. However, members of the Swadeshi Jagran Manch also joined in later.
 
SJM members initially protested at the Teen Murti Police station and then moved towards the embassy to protest. The members could be seen holding posters with a black cross on 'Made in China' written on them.
 
Earlier on Wednesday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh extended his condolences to the families of the martyred soldiers who laid down their lives for the country in the violent faceoff that broke out on Monday night.
 

Ladakh face-off: PM Narendra Modi convenes all-party meeting on June 19 at 5 pm: PMO

From the Chinese side, we do not wish to see more clashes: Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson

From the Chinese side, we do not wish to see more clashes: Zhao Lijian, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson on Galwan Valley clash

We ask India to strictly discipline its frontline troops, stop infringing and provocative activity at once, work with China: Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson

We ask India to strictly discipline its frontline troops, stop infringing and provocative activity at once, work with China and come back to the right track of resolving the differences through dialogue & talk: Zhao Lijian, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson
 

CSK suspends team doctor for social media post on Galwan clash

Chennai Super Kings on Wednesday suspended its team doctor Madhu Thottappillil for a social media post on the death of 20 Indian Army personnel during a clash with Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh which was deemed to be in "bad taste" by the IPL franchise.
 
CSK, captained by Mahendra Singh Dhoni who holds the rank of an honorary lieutenant in Territorial Army, announced the suspension on its official Twitter page. The team is owned by former BCCI President N Srinivasan's India Cements.

My heart goes out to the families of the fallen soldiers: Rajnath Singh

Nation will never forget their bravery and sacrifice. The nation stands shoulder to shoulder with them in this difficult hour. We are proud of the bravery and courage of India’s Bravehearts: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

We are proud of the bravery and courage of India’s breavehearts: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Galwan Valley clash

The loss of soldiers in Galwan is deeply disturbing and painful. Our soldiers displayed exemplary courage and valour in the line of duty and sacrificed their lives in the highest traditions of the Indian Army.


Twenty soldiers were martyred but govt kept silent, says Congress

Govt should take citizens into confidence & tell them how China grabbed our land, how 20 jawans were martyred, what is the current situation and what is govt's strategy to deal with the issue: Randeep Surjewala, Congress

Domestic growth remains a highlight in IPCA Laboratories' Q4 show

Ipca Laboratories has remained a favourite of investors looking at export opportunities for chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine indicated in Covid-19 treatment. The stock that had gained 28.5 per cent since March lows, however, closed marginally lower on Tuesday as the company’s March quarter net profits came lower than expectations.
 
The company saw revenues at Rs 1,073 crore rise 22 per cent year-on-year. Income from exports increased 18 per cent to Rs.492.66 crore, however, it came slightly short of estimates, which analysts attribute could be due to coronavirus-led logistic issues. Read on...

Can't hold Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi or Rahul Gandhi responsible for whatever happened at the border: Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena

We all are responsible for martyrdom of 20 jawans. All parties will support whatever decision PM takes but he should tell ppl what went wrong: Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut

5 years after church massacre, South Carolina protects monuments

Five years ago after eight black church members and their pastor were shot and killed in a racist attack, South Carolina came together and took down the Confederate flag from the Capitol lawn.
 
Today, as yet another shocking killing of an African American roils the country, bringing a wave of pulled down statues and the removal of names of historical figures who repressed or oppressed other people, South Carolina leaders appears to be sitting out this movement so far.
 
Wednesday marks five years since Dylann Roof sat through nearly an hour of Bible study at the Mother Emanuel AME church and then started shooting as the group prayed. Nine black worshippers were killed. Roof spared one woman's life so she could tell everyone he wanted to start a race war. He was sentenced to death and remains in federal prison.

MP: Cow injured after being fed 'explosive-mixed' food

Days after the death of a pregnant elephant in Kerala kicked up a row, police in Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh have launched a probe into the allegation by a man that a cow owned by him was injured after being fed with "explosive-mixed" food by someone.
 
A police official on Wednesday said that a case has been registered in this connection.

People in Ahmedabad's Bapu Nagar burn photos of Chinese President Xi Jinping

US elections: Judge denies request to stop Trump rally due to coronavirus concerns

An Oklahoma judge rejected a lawsuit seeking to block President Trump’s rally in Tulsa this Saturday unless it enforces social distancing and other health measures.
 
The move paves the way for Trump to hold his rally at the 19,000-plus-seat BOK Center despite warnings from some health officials that the event could spread the coronavirus.

India-China face-off: People under the banner of an NGO Vishal Bharat Sansthan burn Chinese flag

Telangana has the worst testing penetration among the worst affected states

Telangana has a testing rate of 628 tests per million population, lowest among the worst affected states (more than 5,000 cases). Telangana has 5,193 confirmed cases at present, but this number could be higher if testing is ramped up. In comparison, Delhi, with over 40,000 confirmed cases, has very high testing penetration, at 14,947. Maharashtra, with over 100,000 cases, conducts 5,620 tests per million. Among these states, J&K has the highest testing penetration with 20,557 tests per million population. Read on...

Gold eases on firm dollar; rising virus cases lend support

Gold prices eased on Wednesday on hopes of a potential Covid-19 drug and a stronger U.S. dollar, but the fall was limited due to worries about surging cases of the novel coronavirus in Beijing.
 
Spot gold was down 0.2% at $1,723.20 per ounce by 0302 GMT, holding a tight $6 narrow range. U.S. gold futures fell 0.3% to $1,731.
 
"The attention remains elsewhere, mostly equity markets. However, Covid-19 nerves as Beijing shutdowns extend should offer support on any dips," said Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst at OANDA.

Why is PM 'silent', why is he 'hiding', asks Rahul on India-China face-off

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday asked why Prime Minister Narendra Modi is "silent" on the fierce clash between Indian and Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh, and said that the country needs to know what has happened.
 
Twenty Indian Army personnel including a colonel were killed in the clash with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on Monday night, the biggest military confrontation in over five decades that has significantly escalated the already volatile border standoff in the region. 

India set for comfortable victory in UN Security Council elections

India is expected to register a comfortable victory in the Security Council elections on Wednesday that will bring the country to the UN high-table as a non-permanent member for the 2021-22 term.
 
The 193-member UN General Assembly will hold elections for President of the 75th session of the Assembly, five non-permanent members of the Security Council and members of the Economic and Social Council under special voting arrangements put in place at the UN headquarters due to COVID-19 related restrictions.
 
India is all set to join the powerful 15-nation Security Council as a non-permanent member. India is a candidate for a non-permanent seat from the Asia-Pacific category for the 2021-22 term.

Vande Bharat flight with 217 Indians departs from Auckland

A flight under Vande Bharat Mission departed from Auckland with 217 stranded Indians on Wednesday.
 
"The second flight of Air India took off from Auckland airport this morning carrying 217 stranded Indians from New Zealand, back home under Vande Bharat Mission," a tweet by the Indian High Commission in New Zealand read.

Majority of Americans distrust social media companies on policing harmful content: Poll

A poll conducted by Gallup and the Knight Foundation on Tuesday found that the majority of Americans do not trust the social media companies to make the right choices about the kind of content that should be allowed on their platforms, and they distrust governments more to make the right decision for them.
 
According to the polls, around two-thirds of Americans want the social media platforms to allow people to express their views no matter how offensive it is. Around 85% of respondents were in favour of removing intentionally false or misleading health information and 81% supported removing intentionally misleading claims about political issues and the upcoming presidential election.

US says it's closely monitoring India-China border row, urges peace

The United States on Tuesday said it is "closely monitoring" the situation between India and China after a violent face-off between troops of the two countries at the Line of Actual Control and has extended support to a peaceful resolution of the current situation.
 
"We are closely monitoring the situation between Indian and Chinese forces along 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. Read on...

Indian man arrested for smuggling 3,346 pounds of marijuana into US

An Indian national has been arrested for smuggling about 3,346 pounds of marijuana worth approximately $5 million into the US from Canada, a US attorney said on Tuesday.
 
Arrested on charges of importing and possessing with intent to distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana, Gurpreet Singh, 30, faces mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life sentence on being convicted.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern orders the military to oversee New Zealand's borders after a quarantine bungle that allowed COVID-19 back into the country

Ex-Tommy Hilfiger boss Grieder to become new Hugo Boss CEO

German fashion house Hugo Boss has appointed former Tommy Hilfiger boss Daniel Grieder as its next chief executive, it said on Tuesday.
 
Grieder, the former CEO of Tommy Hilfiger Global & PVH Europe, will start on June 1, 2021 and succeed Mark Langer, who is stepping down on Sept. 30, 2020 after serving as CEO of Hugo Boss since May 2016, the group said.

Australia accuses China and Russia of virus disinformation

China and Russia were using the heightened anxiety around the coronavirus pandemic to undermine Western democracies by spreading disinformation online, Australia's foreign minister said.
 
The disinformation contributed to a climate of fear and division when the world needed cooperation and understanding, Foreign Minister Marise Payne said in a speech at the Australian National University, a text of which was released by her office late Tuesday.
 
Concerningly, we have seen disinformation pushed and promoted around the coronavirus pandemic and around some of the social pressures that have been exacerbated by the pandemic, Payne said.

At first,we didn't believe it but later higher authorities told us what had happened: Ex-Speaker Sumitra Mahajan

Rajnath Singh discusses Ladakh situation with top military brass, briefs PM

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held two-back-to-back meetings with top military brass on Tuesday deliberating on the situation in eastern Ladakh after an Indian Army officer and two soldiers were killed in a violent clash with Chinese troops in Galwan Valley.
 
Singh also briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the killing of the three Indian Army personnel during Monday night's clash as well as on the overall situation in the region, government sources said..

J&K:Construction work at a tourist facilitation centre in Anantnag's Aishmuqam has resumed after lockdown relaxations

Greater Noida: Fire breaks out at godown of an auto parts company

Punjab Police probationer sub-inspector discharged from service

Taking serious note of the spate of criminal acts and indiscipline shown by a probationer sub-inspector was on Tuesday discharged from service with immediate effect on charges of sexual misconduct and continued and frequent absence from duty, Punjab Police said on Tuesday.
 
Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Patiala, Jatinder Singh Aulkah on Tuesday discharged Aditya Sharma from service.
 
Sharma has been at the centre of a controversy, with two FIRs filed against him by a woman who he allegedly sexually assaulted and then married, apparently to escape disciplinary action, according to a police spokesperson.

US committed to partnering with India in fight against coronavirus

The United States on Tuesday said it is committed to partnering with India in its fight against coronavirus pandemic as the first shipment of 100 US-produced ventilators arrived in India.

44 more cases of Covid-19 reported in Madhya Pradesh's Indore

Indore has reported 44 more Covid-19 positive cases taking the total number of novel coronavirus cases to 4134 in the district.
 
According to a bulletin by Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO), 44 more people have tested positive for coronavirus in Indore, taking the total number of positive cases in the district to 4134. The death toll in the district stands at 182.

Closely monitoring India-China situation, says US

The United States is closely monitoring the situation following a fierce clash between Indian and Chinese forces in eastern Ladakh and hopes that the differences will be resolved peacefully, officials said.

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