New Delhi: The Foreign Minister S Jaishankar has said that the Chinese soldiers had taken “pre-medicated and planned action” which resulted in the clash on Monday between the Chinese and Indian army in the Galwan Valley of Ladakh.
The violent dispute was the first fatal incident in years, leading to the death of 20 Indian soldiers.
Jaishankar spoke to his counterpart Wang Yi of China in a telephonic conversation regarding China’s planned step. The conversation marked the first diplomatic talk after the worsened hostilities of the border soldiers.
He pointed out that this initiation of violence “will have a serious impact on the bilateral relationship” and China must reevaluate its actions to implement counteractive methods. The Chinese and Indian minister signed a note for de-escalating the tension, saying “Neither side would take any action to escalate matters and instead, ensure peace and tranquility as per bilateral agreements and protocols.”
However, news agency Reuters reported that the Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi has requested the Indian government to “severely punish those responsible for conflict and control its frontline troops.” This proves China’s strong belief and opinion of Indian soliders violating the border hostilities by breaking into the Chinese territory.
Both the parties agreed for a responsible and courteous handling of the entire matter at the end of the conversation by implementing the disengagement understanding earnestly.
China further said in a statement that does not intend to start any more clashes and that India should “strictly restrain frontline troops, not illegally cross the border, not make provocative gestures, and not take any unilateral actions that will complicate the border situation.”
India has blamed the clashes on “an attempt by the Chinese side to unilaterally change the status quo there,” denying China’s claims. It said that India has always tried to maintain peace with its neighboring country.
Prime Minister Modi, during a conference with state Chief Ministers, addressed saying that the sacrifice of the soldiers will not go in vain. In a strong message to China, he added, “No one should be in any doubt. India wants peace but when provoked, it is capable of giving a fitting reply, be it any situation”.
The clash had started when the Indian troops raised objections on a Chinese tent put in place in the Galwan Valley which is a part of the Indian Territory.
PM Modi has called an all-party virtual meeting on Friday to discuss the situation at the India-China border. The officials from the Prime Minister’s Office said that the Presidents of various political parties will be part of the said meeting.
