"Indian Army bravely fought against Chinese aggression; No Indian soldiers died in India-China face-off": Rajnath Singh in Parliament

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• Dec 13, 2022 | Dhupali Das

Singh also informed the parliament that the Indian and Chinese sides met on December 11 to discuss the dispute...

Digital Desk: Defence Minister Rajanath Singh said on Tuesday that the Indian Army bravely defended against Chinese aggression during a clash in Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang sector on December 9.

Speaking at Parliament, Singh claimed that no Indian soldiers were killed or seriously injured during the clash. He added that the Indian government had addressed the matter diplomatically with the Chinese authorities.

Indian and Chinese soldiers clashed in Arunachal Pradesh's Tawang sector on December 9, which led to injuries to a few personnel on both sides.

"On December 9, PLA troops attempted to traverse the LAC in the Yangtse area of Tawang Sector and change the status quo unilaterally.  Our troops stood firm and firmly opposed the Chinese attempt. The Indian Army heroically halted the PLA from invading our country and forced them to return to their posts during the ensuing physical altercation," the Defence Minister said amid a huge uproar by the Opposition over the clash.

"A few personnel on both sides were injured as a result of the conflict. I want to inform this House that there have been no fatalities or significant injuries on our side. The quick action of Indian commanders allowed PLA soldiers to return to their positions," he added. 

Singh also informed the parliament that the Indian and Chinese sides met on December 11 to discuss the dispute.

"Following this occurrence, the regional commander convened a flag meeting with his Chinese counterpart on December 11 in accordance with the established system and discussed this incident. The Chinese side was requested to refrain from such measures and to keep the border peaceful and serene," he stated.

The Defence Minister further stated that the armed forces are fully capable of defending the Indian territory and are always ready to stop any attempt at border crossing.

"I want to reassure this House that our forces are dedicated to defending our territorial integrity and will continue to thwart any attempt to undermine it. I am convinced that this entire House will stand together in backing our soldiers in their valiant efforts and respecting our military' capability, courage, and devotion," he said.

Indian and Chinese troops clashed in the early hours of December 9, beating each other with sticks and canes in their closest encounter since the tragic Galwan incident in eastern Ladakh in June 2020.  Indian soldiers who were injured during the incident are currently receiving medical care in a hospital in Guwahati, sources quoted.