During a June 15 clash in the Galwan Valley between Indian and Chinese troops, 20 soldiers were killed.
New Delhi:
French Defense Minister Florence Parly condemned the death of 20 Indian soldiers in a clash with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley and provided “unwavering and friendly” support to India in these “circumstances” difficult, “diplomatic sources said today.
In a letter to Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday, the French minister also offered to visit India soon to explore ways to strengthen bilateral strategic cooperation, they said.
“It was a major blow to the soldiers, their families and the nation. Under these difficult circumstances, I wish to express my unwavering and friendly support, as well as that of the French armed forces,” said sources quoted in the press release. letter.
The French Defense Minister conveyed his condolences to the entire Indian armed forces as well as to the grieving families, they said.
Recalling that India is France’s strategic partner in the region, she reiterated her country’s deep solidarity with the country and declared herself ready to go to India to follow the bilateral talks aimed at deepening the ties of defense, sources said.
violence erupted in the Galwan Valley on June 15 after Chinese soldiers refused to remove a tent – in violation of the June 6 meeting – in which 20 Indian soldiers, including a commander, were killed in the service line and more than 70 soldiers were injured.
Defense and strategic ties between India and France have recovered in recent years.
India is expected to receive the first batch of six Rafale combat aircraft from France on July 27. The aircraft are expected to significantly increase the combat capacity of the Indian Air Force.
India had signed an intergovernmental agreement with France in September 2016 for the purchase of 36 Rafale combat aircraft at a cost of around 58,000 crore rupees.
