Both sides blame the other for the death of at least 20 Indian soldiers in an overnight brawl along their disputed Himalayan border, and both say they want calm.
New Delhi — Two days after 20 Indian soldiers were killed in the deadliest border clash between India and China in decades, the two countries showed an eagerness to deescalate the situation on Wednesday. The foreign ministers of the two Asian nations spoke over the phone, and both agreed that „neither side would take any action to escalate matters and instead, ensure peace and tranquillity,“ according to a statement by India’s external affairs ministry.
But even the talk of peace came with warnings from both Delhi and Beijing.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who came under fire from opposition parties for staying „silent“ after the country’s soldiers were killed, warned that India was able to defend itself.
„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 is most important,“ Modi said in a televised address. „No one should be in any doubt: India wants peace, but when provoked, it is capable of giving a fitting reply.“
The Indian soldiers were killed in a clash with Chinese troops in the Himalayan region of Galwan Valley on Monday night.
