Indian and Chinese troops clash at disputed border days after US-India joint war games

Both forces sustained minor injuries in the first such skirmish since a deadly incident in June 2020, Indian army said

After clashing in Arunachal Pradesh state, the two sides immediately disengaged and their commanders met to discuss the issue

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Indian army soldiers pictured with a Bofors gun positioned at Penga Teng Tso ahead of Tawang, near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) neighbouring China in India’s Arunachal Pradesh state in October 2021. Photo: AFP

Published: 12:56am, 13 Dec 2022Updated: 5:50am, 13 Dec 2022

About 20 Indian soldiers and “a much higher number on the Chinese side” sustained minor injuries as the troops clashed in the highly sensitive Tawang sector of India’s Arunachal Pradesh state, Indian media reported on Monday citing multiple sources in the country’s defence and security establishment.

The Indian army said in a statement that on “December 9, People’s Liberation Army troops contacted the [Line of Actual Control] in Tawang sector”. The encounter led to the Indian troops responding “in a firm and resolute manner”, the statement added, which “led to minor injuries to few personnel from both sides”.

Afterwards, a commander-level flag meeting between the countries took place to “restore peace and tranquillity”, according to the statement.

At least three Indian army units and 600 Chinese soldiers were present at the time of the skirmishes, according to reports.

Neither the Chinese foreign ministry nor the Chinese embassies in New Delhi and Washington immediately responded to a request for comment. The US State Department also has not commented on Friday’s incident.

The incident happened just days after China criticised joint military exercises involving the US and India a mere 100km (60 miles) from its disputed border with India. Beijing called the recent operation a violation of two border agreements signed between China and India in 1993 and 1996.

Indian and Chinese troops clash at disputed border days after US-India joint war games

Both forces sustained minor injuries in the first such skirmish since a deadly incident in June 2020, Indian army said After clashing in Arunachal Pradesh state, the two sides immediately disengaged and their commanders met to discuss the issue

Both forces sustained minor injuries in the first such skirmish since a deadly incident in June 2020, Indian army said

After clashing in Arunachal Pradesh state, the two sides immediately disengaged and their commanders met to discuss the issue