20 Indian soldiers killed in clash with Chinese troops in Ladakh, 4 critical

A day after it was reported that an Indian Army Colonel and two soldiers were killed during a violent in the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh, government sources said at least 20 soldiers had been killed in the standoff on Monday (June 15) night. ANI quoting sources reported that four other soldiers involved in the skirmish are in a critical condition.

The sources added that the Chinese side had suffered 43 casualties, including deaths and serious injuries in the faceoff, ANI reported.

This is the first confrontation between India and China that involves fatalities in the last 45 years, signalling a massive escalation in the five-week border row in the sensitive region.

Related News: Galwan Valley face-off: Indian, Chinese officials meet to defuse situation

Earlier, Army said in a statement, “Senior military officials of the two sides are currently meeting at the venue to defuse the situation.”

Since May 5, the armies on both sides had been engaging in a standoff in the disputed areas of the Galwan Valley, besides those in Pangong Tso, Demchok and Daulat Beg Oldie in the eastern Ladakh.

On June 15, it was reported that Colonel Santosh Babu, Commanding Officer of the 16 Bihar regiment and the two soldiers—K Palani and Ojha—were killed in the clash.