The European Union urged India and China to exercise restraint in Ladakh.
Brussels:
The European Union (EU) on Wednesday urged India and China to exercise restraint, engage in military de-escalation and continue dialogue, one day after the two sides engaged in a violent confrontation in the Galwan Valley in Ladakh.
“In light of recent disturbing developments along the Real Line of Control (LAC) between India and China, we encourage both sides to exercise restraint and engage in military de-escalation, as well as to continue the dialogue, “Virginie Battu-Henriksson, said the EU spokesman for foreign affairs and security policy in a statement.
“It is crucial to build confidence and reach a peaceful solution which is essential for preserving peace and stability in the region,” added the spokesman.
Twenty Indian military personnel, including an officer of the rank of colonel, were killed in the violent confrontation.
Indian interceptions revealed that the Chinese side claimed 43 lives, including deaths and serious injuries in the violent clash.
The commander of the Chinese unit is among those killed, sources told the ANI.
Indian Minister of Foreign Affairs S Jaishankar explained to his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi during a telephone conversation that what happened in Galwan was a “premeditated and planned action which was directly responsible for the violence and the losses which caused it resulted “.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said earlier today that India wanted peace but was able to give an adequate response, if provoked.
India said on Tuesday that the violent confrontation had taken place following an attempt by Chinese troops to “unilaterally change” the status quo during the de-escalation in eastern Ladakh, and the situation could have been avoided if the The agreement at the highest level has been scrupulously followed by the Chinese side.
