US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo condoles death of Indian soldiers in Galwan Valley violence
Washington/IBNS: US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has condoled the death of 20 Indian soldiers during a standoff with Chinese security personnel during a recent standoff in Galwan Valley.
We extend our deepest condolences to the people of India for the lives lost as a result of the recent confrontation with China. We will remember the soldiers' families, loved ones, and communities as they grieve.
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) June 19, 2020
"We extend our deepest condolences to the people of India for the lives lost as a result of the recent confrontation with China. We will remember the soldiers' families, loved ones, and communities as they grieve," Pompeo tweeted.
India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said the Chinese troops unilaterally attempted to change the status quo of de-escalation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) at Galwan Valley in Eastern Ladakh and took premeditated as well as planned action on the Indian forces resulting in casualties on both sides.
The Indian Army lost 20 soldiers in the deadly face-off with Chinese troopers on the night of June 15.
Unconfirmed reports claimed the Chinese side too suffered casualties during the fierce clash at the Galwan Valley, which is close to Aksai Chin, an area that is controlled by China but claimed by both the countries.
According to the MEA statement, India is very clear that all its activities are always within the Indian side of the LAC.
The face-off happened even as India and China had been discussing through military and diplomatic channels the de-escalation of the situation in the border area in Eastern Ladakh.
More than four decades after the last fatality occurred during a conflict at the India-China border, at least 20 Indian personnel were killed in the conflict with the Chinese military at the Galwan Valley, which is close to Aksai Chin, an area that is controlled by China but claimed by both the countries.
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