Union defence minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said the loss of lives of Indian Army soldiers at Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh was ‘deeply disturbing and painful’.
Singh took to Twitter to express his anguish.
He said that Indian soldiers displayed exemplary courage and valour in the line of duty and sacrificed their lives in the highest traditions of the Indian Army.
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In his officer Twitter handle, the defence minister wrote:
‘The loss of soldiers in Galwan is deeply disturbing and painful. Our soldiers displayed exemplary courage and valour in the line of duty and sacrificed their lives in the highest traditions of the Indian Army.’
He also wrote:
‘The Nation will never forget their bravery and sacrifice. My heart goes out to the families of the fallen soldiers. The nation stand shoulder to shoulder with them in this difficult hour. We are proud of the bravery and courage of India’s breavehearts.’
The country lost 20 of its soldiers, including an officer, during a violent attack carried out by the People’s Liberation Army of China on Monday night.
Also read: Chinese army casualty in single digits, claims intelligence
Before issuing the statement, Singh held a meeting with Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat and three service chiefs to discuss the current situation in eastern Ladakh.
He also deliberated over the new strategy to be drawn out for the entire Line of Actual Control and also the government’s tough decision pertaining to China.
Also read: India-China stand-off: 20 Indian soldiers killed in Galwan Valley
These are the first casualties suffered by either armies since 1975 when an Indian patrol was ambushed by Chinese troops in Arunachal Pradesh.