NEW DELHI: India on Tuesday said the violent face-off in Ladakh happened as a result of an attempt by the Chinese side to “unilaterally” change the status quo.
In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said that India is very clear that all its activities are always within the Indian side of the LAC given its responsible approach to border management, adding it “expects the same of the Chinese side.”
On Monday night, an Indian Army officer and two soldiers were killed in a violent clash with Chinese troops in Galwan Valley where the two sides have been on a bitter standoff for over five weeks.
“On late-evening and night of June 15, a violent face-off happened as a result of an attempt by the Chinese side to unilaterally change the status quo there. Both sides suffered casualties that could have been avoided had an agreement at higher level been scrupulously followed by the Chinese side,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.
“Given its responsible approach to border management, India is very clear that all its activities are always within the Indian side of the LAC. We expect the same of the Chinese side,” it added.
The ministry further stressed that India firmly convinced of the need for the maintenance of peace and tranquillity in the border areas and the resolution of differences through dialogue.
“At the same time, we are also strongly committed to ensuring India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” it added.
(With inputs from agencies)
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