Indo-China Row: After Ladakh Visit, PM Modi Meets President Kovind
Catch all the updates on the India-China tensions here.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday, 3 July, visited Nimmu, an army base along the Srinagar-Leh highway, and interacted with personnel from the army, air force, and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
Following his visit, on Sunday, PM Modi called on President Ram Nath Kovind and the two leaders discussed issues of national and international importance, Rashtrapati Bhavan officials said as per PTI.
Meanwhile, conveying US President Donald Trump's stance on the tensions between the two countries, White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany on Wednesday said, "China's aggressive stance along the India-China border fits with the larger pattern of Chinese aggression in other parts of the world."
"These actions only confirm the true nature of the Chinese Communist Party," the press secretary was quoted as saying by news agency ANI, adding that the US is closely monitoring the situation between India and China. "Both India and China have expressed desire to de-escalate. We support a peaceful resolution of the current situation."
On Wednesday, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari had said that India will not allow Chinese companies to participate in highway projects, reported PTI
A corps commander-level meeting between the Indian and Chinese armies took place in Chushul on Tuesday to resolve the ongoing dispute along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh
The Congress and the BJP are engaged in a war of words over the handling of the situation on the border amid tensions with China
PM Meets President Kovind
PM Modi called on President Ram Nath Kovind and the two leaders discussed issues of national and international importance, Rashtrapati Bhavan officials said as per PTI.
Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson on China
"We expect the Chinese side to sincerely follow up and ensure expeditious restoration of peace and tranquillity in border areas as per bilateral agreements and protocols," says Anurag Srivastava, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson as per ANI.
Ministry also adds, "Discussions at latest meeting of senior commanders of India and China reflected commitment of both sides to reduce tension along LAC," PTI reports.
Rajnath’s Leh Visit Might be Rescheduled: Reports
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's visit to Leh is being rescheduled, defence officials were quoted by ANI as saying on Thursday.
‘Confirm True Nature’: US on China’s ‘Aggression’ Against India
Conveying US President Donald Trump's stance on the India-China tensions, White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany on Wednesday said, "China's aggressive stance along the India-China border fits with the larger pattern of Chinese aggression in other parts of the world."
"These actions only confirm the true nature of the Chinese Communist Party," the press secretary was quoted as saying by news agency ANI, adding that the US is closely monitoring the situation between India and China. "Both India and China have expressed desire to de-escalate. We support a peaceful resolution of the current situation."
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh & Army Chief to Visit Leh on Friday
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane to visit Leh on Friday to review the security situation in Eastern Ladakh in view of the Chinese aggression along the Line of Actual Control, ANI reports.
Both Armies Emphasised on Phased De-Escalation: PTI
A day after corps commander-level meeting between India and China, PTI reported on Wednesday that both armies emphasised on expeditious, phased and step wise de-escalation as a priority, citing Military sources.
"The process of disengagement along LAC is complex," highlighted Military sources as per PTI.
"India-China Corps Commander-level meeting was long; held in business like manner keeping in view COVID-19 protocols," it further added.
India to Ban Chinese Companies From Highway Projects: Gadkari
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, on Wednesday, said that India will not allow Chinese companies to participate in highway projects, including those through joint ventures, reported PTI.
India-China: 3rd Corps Commander-Level Meet Underway at Chushul
A corps commander-level meeting between the Indian and Chinese armies began in Chushul on Tuesday to resolve the ongoing dispute between the two countries along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh, Indian Army sources were cited by ANI as saying.
Third Round of Corps Commander-Level Talks Tomorrow
Third round of Corps Commander-level talks between India and China are scheduled tomorrow at 10:30 am in Chushul in Ladakh, ANI reports citing government sources.
The first two rounds had taken place in Moldo on Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control, says ANI.
Army Chief Briefs Defence Minister on Situation in Ladakh
Army Chief General MM Naravane briefs Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on the overall situation in eastern Ladakh, as well as, India's military preparedness in the region where Indian and Chinese troops are locked in bitter standoff, PTI reports citing official sources.
'Hope China Will Realise Responsibility by Moving Back to Its Side of LAC': Indian Envoy to China
Indian envoy to China, Vikram Misri, on Friday, 26 June, said, India hopes China will realise its responsibility in de-escalation and disengaging by moving back to its side of LAC, PTI reported.
“Only way to resolve military standoff along LAC is for China to stop erecting new structures,” he added.
Misri also tweeted key bits from his interview on Twitter. On his account, he said, "We hope that the Chinese side will realise its responsibility in de-escalation and disengagement."
US Calls China 'Rogue Actor', Blames It for Face-Off With India
Slamming China, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, on Friday, said that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) has "escalated border tensions" in India, reported IANS.
"But the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) isn't just a rogue actor in its own neighbourhood," he said, adding that if it was, the US might think differently about it.
The US Secretary of State also said that if US troops were no longer in Germany, it was because they were being moved to face Chinese threat to India and Southeast Asia, Hindustan Times reported.
‘China's Conduct Along LAC Disregards Existing Arrangements’: MEA
MEA says conduct of the Chinese side along LAC is reflective of complete disregard to existing agreements.
"This (Amassing of troops) is not in accordance with the provisions of our various bilateral agreements, especially the key 1993 Agreement on the Maintenance of Peace and Tranquility along the Line of Actual Control in the India-China Border Areas," said Ministry as per NDTV.
'Hope India Avoid Taking Actions That May Complicate Border Situation': Chinese Envoy
Chinese Envoy Sun Weidong on Thursday told PTI that China hopes Indian side meets them halfway and, "avoid taking actions that may complicate border situation."
Mutual respect and support is a sure way to meet long-term interests of both countries, he added.
Continuation of Current Situation in Ladakh Will Vitiate Atmosphere: MEA
India never attempted to change status quo along Line of Actual Control, said MEA on Thursday as per PTI.
The ministry further added that the continuation of current situation will further vitiate the atmosphere.
"China amassing large number of troops since early May; India had to make counter deployment," said MEA.
Some Troops & Vehicles Moved Back by China in Galwan: Report
On 22 June, the Chinese side had given assurance that they will move back troops from the front to the depth areas. In this regard, some troops and vehicles were moved back by China in the Galwan area, ANI reported citing sources.
India & China Discuss Galwan Valley Clash at WMCC Meeting
The 15th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) was held through video-conference on 24 June. The Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary (East Asia), while Director General of the Department of Boundary and Oceanic Affairs of the Chinese MFA led the Chinese delegation.
Ministry of External Affairs says India-China discussed developments in border areas, in particular, the situation in Eastern Ladakh.
"The two sides recalled the conversation last week b/w EAM and the Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister and reaffirmed that both sides should sincerely implement the understanding on disengagement and de-escalation that was reached by the Senior Commanders on 6th June", it adds.
Army Chief Briefed by Lieutenant General Harinder Singh
Army Chief General MM Naravane, on Wednesday, accompanied by Lieutenant General YK Joshi visited Headquarters of Fire & Fury Corps, where he was briefed by Lieutenant General Harinder Singh, said Indian Army.
Army Chief Awards Commendation Cards to Soldiers Who Fought Chinese Troops in Ladakh: Report
Indian Army Chief Manoj Mukund Naravane, on Wednesday, awarded commendation cards to soldiers who fought Chinese troops in face-offs in Ladakh, ANI reported citing Army sources.
China Continues Military Build-Up Along LAC Near Eastern Ladakh: Report
"In the Finger area along the Pangong Tso lake, the Chinese have continued to indulge in heightened military activities like deployment of troops and construction," ANI quoted a source.
Army Chief Visits Forward Areas, Interacts With the Troops
During his visit to Ladakh, Army Chief Manoj Mukund Naravane interacts with the troops in the forward areas while reviewing operational situations on the ground after the stand-off between India and China on 15 June.
WMCC to Discuss Border Tension on 24 June
Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on India-China Border Affairs likely to hold virtual meet tomorrow, ANI reports.
According to the news agency, it’s a DG, Joint Secretary level talk where Indo-China border tension will be discussed.
Rajnath Singh, Chinese Counterpart May Meet In Moscow: Chinese Media
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chinese counterpart may meet in Moscow tomorrow, reports China's Global Times.
There is no confirmation on the same from the government of India.
Army Chief Compliments All Ranks for Their Dedication
Army Chief General MM Naravane, in his interaction with soldiers at Leh hospital, complimented all ranks for their high standard professionalism and dedication to duty, ANI reported.
'Institutional Structure of Diplomacy Demolished by PM': Rahul Gandhi
Rahul Gandhi at CWEC meet said that the reason why China acted is failure of foreign policy. "Established institutional structure of diplomacy demolished by PM," he added as per PTI.
Army Chief Interacted with Gallant Soldiers
Army Chief General MM Naravane interacted with gallant soldiers at Military Hospital on Tuesday in Leh during his two day visit to Eastern Ladakh.
China Calls Reports of 40 PLA Casualties 'Fake News'
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Zhao Lijian, on Tuesday, denied the reports of 40 casualties on the Chinese side, reported Hindustan Times.
“As for what you saw in the media, for example, some people alleged that casualties on the Chinese side amounted to 40, I can tell you for sure that this is fake news,” Zhao said.
He also added, “During the meeting, based on the consensus of the first military-level meeting, the two sides exchanged frank and in-depth views on the outstanding issues in the current border control, and agreed to take necessary measures to promote the cooling of the situation.”
“The two sides also agreed to maintain dialogue and jointly work together to promote peace and tranquility in the border areas,” he concluded.
'India, China Don't Need Help from Outside': Russian Foreign Minister
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov at RIC foreign ministers' meeting, said, "I don't think that India & China need any help from the outside. I don't think they need to be helped, especially when it comes to country issues." They can solve them on their own, it means the recent events," ANI reported.
Rahul Gandhi Demoralising Army: MP CM
MP CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is demoralising the Army.
“Rahul Gandhi is demoralising and insulting the Army. BJP used to support Congress at difficult times, but what they are doing is dirty politics now. They should attack China, but they can not see anyone else other than PM Modi,” he said.
Army Chief Leaves for Ladakh
Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane leaves for Ladakh. He will review the on-ground situation there with the 14 Corps officials and the progress in talks with the Chinese military.
Commander-Level Talks Held in Positive Atmosphere: Army
The Indian Army on Tuesday, 23 June said that the commander-level talks were held in a “positive and constructive” atmosphere,
“Corps Commander level talks b/w India-China were held at Moldo in cordial,positive&constructive atmosphere. There was mutual consensus to disengage. Modalities for disengagement from all friction areas in Eastern Ladakh were discussed and will be taken forward by both sides,” the Indian Army said, as quoted by ANI.
Commander-Level Meet Still on After Over 10 Hrs: Report
Meeting between Army’s 14 Corps Commander Lt Gen Harinder Singh and his Chinese counterpart is still on after over 10 hours, ANI reports citing Army sources.
According to the news agency, the meeting started around 11:30 AM at Moldo on the Chinese side of LAC opposite Chushul to defuse tensions in Eastern Ladakh sector due to Chinese military buildup.
Maha Govt Puts 3 Chinese Deals on Hold
Maharashtra government has put 3 Chinese deals worth Rs 5,020 crore on hold, reports ANI.
"The companies - Hengli Engineering, PMI Electro Mobility Solutions joint venture with Photon & Great Wall Motors - (had) signed the deal to invest in Talegaon, Pune dist," said State Industries Minister Subhash Desai.
Army Chief General Discuss Security Situation With Top Army Commanders
Army chief General MM Naravane is discussing the security situation with the top Army commanders in Delhi on Monday, reports ANI. All commanders are in the national capital for the second phase of the commanders’ conference, ANI reports citing Army officials.
Rahul Gandhi Asks 'Why is China Praising Mr Modi During This Conflict?
Rahul Gandhi on Monday, while sharing a newspaper cut-out, tweeted saying, "China killed our soldiers. China took our land. Then, why is China praising Mr Modi during this conflict?"
China Confirms Officer Killed in Galwan Clash: Report
Days after the source-based reports of a Chinese commanding officer getting killed among many in the 15 June clash in eastern Ladakh emerged, China's army has confirmed the same during military talks with India at Galwan last week, reports NDTV citing sources.
JP Nadda Hits Out at Former PM Manmohan Singh
A political row has erupted between the Congress and the BJP after former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh issued a statement on the India-China clash and said that PM Modi needs to be mindful of the statements he makes as they are being seen by China as a “vindication” of their stand at the LAC.
“One only wishes that Dr. Singh was as worried about Chinese designs when, as PM, he abjectly surrendered hundreds of square kilometres of India’s land to China. He presided over 600 incursions made by China between 2010 to 2013!” he tweeted.
“Dr Manmohan Singh can certainly share his wisdom on many subjects but the responsibilities of the office of the Prime Minister isn’t one of them. UPA personified systematic institutional erosion of that office, combined with disrespect for our armed forces. NDA has reversed that!” he added.
India-China to Hold Commander-Level Meet on Chinese Side of LAC: Report
India and China to hold Corps Commander-level meeting at Moldo on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control opposite Chushul to discuss the ongoing dispute in Ladakh, ANI reported quoting Indian Army sources.
Kapil Sibal Hits Out at PM Over Remark on China
Congress leader Kapil Sibal, on Sunday, said, "Why did PM tell (in) the all-party meeting that 'no one intruded our territory'? Why did PMO delete these words from the official statement? If 'no one intruded our territory', how did 20 soldiers die and 85 injured and how were 10 jawans & officers captured by Chinese?"
Rajnath Singh Holds Meeting With CDS, Service Chiefs Over Ladakh: Report
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a high-level meeting with CDS General Bipin Rawat and three service chiefs on situation in Ladakh, PTI reported on Saturday, quoting sources.
Tough Situation, Talking to India, China: President Trump
US President Donald Trump on Sunday said that the USA is talking to India and China over the border stand-off in eastern Ladakh's Galwan Valley where troops of both countries have come to blows.
"It's a very tough situation. We are talking to India, we're talking to China. They have got a big problem there. They have come to blows and we'll see what happens. We are trying to help them out," Trump told reporters outside the White House.
‘Untenable’: India Rejects China’s Sovereignty Claim on Galwan
Rejecting China's claim of sovereignty over Galwan Valley area on Saturday, 20 June, India said the position with regard to the region has been "historically clear".
"Attempts by the Chinese side to now advance exaggerated and untenable claims with regard to LAC there are not acceptable. They are not in accordance with China’s own position in the past," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.
'Confident That India & China Will Resolve Their Mutual Differences': Nepal
In a statement on the India-China clashes at Galwan Valley, Nepal on Saturday said that it is "confident that both the neighbouring countries will resolve, in the spirit of good neighbourliness, their mutual differences through peaceful means in favour of bilateral, regional and world peace and stability."
Significantly, tensions between India and Nepal have also escalated of lately, with the neighbouring country passing a contentious Bill in its parliament that incorporates Indian territories.
Day After Modi’s ‘No One Intruded’ Comment, PMO Clarifies
A day after PM Modi said there were no foreign incursions into India, his office has clarified that his "observations that there was no Chinese presence on our side of the LAC pertained to the situation as a consequence of the bravery of our armed forces".
In a statement on Saturday, the PMO said Modi was clear that India would respond firmly to any attempts to transgress the Line of Actual Control (LAC). "In fact, he specifically emphasised that in contrast to the past neglect of such challenges, Indian forces now decisively counter any violation of LAC."
"As regards transgression of LAC, it was clearly stated that the violence in Galwan on 15 June arose because Chinese side was seeking to erect structures just across the LAC and refused to desist from such actions," it said, adding that the sacrifices of the soldiers foiled the attempt of the Chinese side and also cleared the attempted transgression at this point of the LAC.
While condemning that an "unnecessary controversy is being created" to lower the morale of the soldiers, the PMO expressed confidence that "the unity of the Indian people will not be undermined by motivated propaganda".
Galwan Valley Located on Our Side of LAC: China
China on Saturday asserted that "the Galwan Valley is located on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control in the west section of the China-India boundary."
"For many years, the Chinese border troops have been patrolling and on duty in this region," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian.
Giving a step-by-step account of the Galwan clash, in which 20 Indian Army personnel were killed, he said that on 15 June, India's front-line troops crossed the LAC for deliberate provocation when the situation in the Galwan Valley was already easing. "India’s front-line troops even violently attacked the Chinese officers and soldiers who went there for negotiation, thus triggering fierce physical conflicts and causing casualties," he claimed in a series of tweets.
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)