New Delhi, June 16: Twenty Indian soldiers were killed in a "violent face-off" with Chinese troops at Galwan Valley in Ladakh, the army said today, in the most serious escalation between the two countries along the border in five decades.

News agency ANI claimed that sources had confirmed 43 Chinese soldiers have been killed or seriously injured because of intercepts, though the army's statement did not refer to this.

Here are the live updates:

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11:34 PM, 16 Jun

A total of 20 Indian Army personnel were killed during a violent clash with Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh's Galwan Valley on Monday night, escalating the already volatile border standoff between the two sides, an Army statement said on Tuesday.

11:34 PM, 16 Jun

UN chief Antonio Guterres has expressed concern over reports of violence and deaths at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China and urged both sides to exercise "maximum restraint," his spokesperson said on Tuesday.

10:30 PM, 16 Jun

Indian and Chinese troops have disengaged where they had earlier clashed. As many as 17 Indian troops who were critically injured in the line of duty at the stand-off location and were exposed to sub-zero temperatures in the high altitude terrain have succumbed to their injuries, taking the total that were killed in action to 20.

10:30 PM, 16 Jun

The Himachal Pradesh Police has issued an alert in Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur districts, which border China, in view of the violent clash between Indian and Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh's Galwan Valley, an official said.

10:29 PM, 16 Jun

Increase in Chinese chopper activity observed across the LAC to airlift casualties suffered by them during face-off with Indian troops in Galwan valley: Sources to ANI

10:04 PM, 16 Jun

Indian intercepts reveal that Chinese side suffered 43 casualties including dead and seriously injured in face-off in the Galwan valley: Sources confirm to ANI

10:03 PM, 16 Jun

At least 20 Indian soldiers killed in the violent face-off with China in Galwan valley in Eastern Ladakh. Casualty numbers could rise: Government Sources

10:02 PM, 16 Jun

At least 20 Indian soldiers killed in the violent face-off with China in Galwan valley in Eastern Ladakh. Casualty numbers could rise: Government Sources

9:39 PM, 16 Jun

Unless both sides resort to non-violence and dialogue, perpetual peace might be a problem and Tibet is the reason why this tension is happening: Lobsang Sangay, President, Central Tibetan Administration on India-China face off in Galwan Valley.

9:21 PM, 16 Jun

Chinese side didn’t release number of PLA casualties in clash with Indian soldiers. My understanding is the Chinese side doesn’t want people of the two countries to compare the casualties number so to avoid stoking public mood. This is goodwill from Beijing.
— Hu Xijin 胡锡进 (@HuXijin_GT) June 16, 2020

Editor-in-chief of Chinese and English editions of the Global Times Hu Xijin said, "My understanding is the Chinese side doesn’t want people of the two countries to compare the casualties number so to avoid stoking public mood. This is goodwill from Beijing."

9:20 PM, 16 Jun

Taking to Twitter on Tuesday, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren said, "My homage & tributes to the armymen who sacrificed their lives to protect our national sovereignty."

9:16 PM, 16 Jun

I salute the valour of the three Indian soldiers who were martyred at #GalwanValley while performing a supreme service for the nation. My heart goes out to the families of these brave men. May lord give them strength in this difficult time.
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) June 16, 2020

Salute valour of Indian soldiers martyred at Galwan Valley: West Bengal CM

9:10 PM, 16 Jun

The Indian Army officer killed in a violent clash with Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh on Monday night, Colonel Santosh Babu, fulfilled his father's personal dreams of serving the country and was expecting a posting to this city before making the supreme sacrifice.

9:04 PM, 16 Jun

We owe immeasurable debt to soldiers, officers who have been martyred for our country: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra

8:51 PM, 16 Jun

Home Minister Amit Shah has reached PM Modi's residence to discuss the India-China border situation.

8:45 PM, 16 Jun

Borders of India will remain intact&are intact under leadership of PM. During de-escalation process underway in Galwan Valley, Ladakh, violent face-off took place with Chinese Army. Indian Army gave befitting reply. Unfortunately, we lost our 3 army men: BJP Pres JP Nadda

8:45 PM, 16 Jun

China's Vice Foreign Minister, Luo Zhaohui and Indian Ambassador to China, Vikram Misri meet in Beijing: ANI quotes Sources

8:03 PM, 16 Jun

We remain firmly convinced of the need for the maintenance of peace and tranquillity in the border areas and the resolution of differences through dialogue. At the same time, we are also strongly committed to ensuring India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity: MEA

8:03 PM, 16 Jun

Given its responsible approach to border management, India is very clear that all its activities are always within the Indian side of the LAC. We expect the same of the Chinese side: Ministry of External Affairs

8:03 PM, 16 Jun

SS Deswal, Director-General of Indo-Tibetan Border Police leaves from Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) after attending a meeting. ITBP, along with Indian Army guards the Indo-China border.

7:47 PM, 16 Jun

PM Modi-EAM Jaishankar meeting over

7:22 PM, 16 Jun

The CPI(M) called on the government to come out with an "authoritative statement" to explain what happened in eastern Ladakh's Galwan Valley, and said that high-level talks should be initiated between the two nations to defuse the situation.

7:21 PM, 16 Jun

The Left parties on Tuesday said India and China should initiate talks to defuse tensions between the two countries in eastern Ladakh. Their remarks came after an Army officer and two soldiers were killed in a violent confrontation with Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh's Galwan Valley on Monday.

7:15 PM, 16 Jun

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met PM Modi.

7:08 PM, 16 Jun

Words cannot describe the pain I feel for the officers and men who sacrificed their lives for our country.

My condolences to all their loved ones. We stand with you in this difficult time.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 16, 2020

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi offers condolences to slain soldiers

7:07 PM, 16 Jun

"Our forces were resolute in forcing Chinese troops to retreat. In the process yesterday we have lost 3 brave Deshbhakt soldiers. 'Veer Sadgati' to the departed souls. The picture on the Chinese side is yet to emerge. It is still more huge," the BJP general secretary (organisation) tweeted.

7:06 PM, 16 Jun

Senior BJP leader B L Santhosh on Tuesday said Indian forces were resolute in forcing Chinese troops to "retreat" in a violent face-off in Ladakh, claiming that the loss on the adversary's side could be “still more huge".

7:00 PM, 16 Jun

Colonel Santosh Babu, Commanding Officer of the 16 Bihar regiment lost his life in the violent face-off with Chinese soldiers in Galwan valley area near Patrolling Point 14: Indian Army Sources

6:46 PM, 16 Jun

The state-run Global Times newspaper quoted the People's Liberation Army Western Theatre Command spokesperson as saying that "Indian troops again crossed the line of actual control in the Galwan Valley region and purposefully launched provocative attacks, leading to severe clashes and casualties." It did not elaborate.

6:45 PM, 16 Jun

The Chinese military on Tuesday alleged that the Indian troops again crossed the Line of Actual Control in the Galwan Valley region and "purposefully launched provocative attacks", leading to "severe clashes and casualties."

3:14 PM, 16 Jun

The Indian Army officer killed the clash was the commanding officer of a battalion at Galwan.

3:14 PM, 16 Jun

There was no firing. Apparently the two sides clashed with stones and rods.

3:14 PM, 16 Jun

There are various accounts on the number of casualties on the Chinese side. Some accounts suggest 5, while the others say it is 3. However there is no official word on the same.

3:14 PM, 16 Jun

The visit by Army Chief General M M Naravane to Pathankot has been cancelled.

3:14 PM, 16 Jun

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said if the Chinese can "shoot dead" three Indian soldiers during the 'de-escalation process', one can imagine how serious the situation must have been in the first place. Earlier in the day, the Indian Army said an officer and two soldiers were killed in a violent confrontation with Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh's Galwan Valley on Monday.

3:15 PM, 16 Jun

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will be discussing the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a short while from now. Singh has already met Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat, the three service chiefs and External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar.

3:16 PM, 16 Jun

We will eventually learn about the details of what happened in Ladakh. That is our right. But right now, we must grieve with & stand by the families of our martyred soldiers. And stand solidly in support of our armed forces.
— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) June 16, 2020

Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra's tweet:

3:17 PM, 16 Jun

Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh has briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the situation along the Line of Actual Control.

3:29 PM, 16 Jun

Mehbooba Mufti took to Twitter to say that the nation wants to know why there is no talk of retaliation. Taking to Twitter, Mufti wrote,''Seems like China has hijacked the aggressive ‘ghar main ghuske marengay’ militaristic approach. Nation deserves to know why there is no talk of retaliation to avenge the death of three Indian army personnel!.''

3:29 PM, 16 Jun

Congrress leader Shashi Tharoor: The tragic news from Ladakh is shocking & calls for resolute handling by our Govt. Meanwhile, let us bow our heads in tribute to the three martyrs who gave their lives to protect India, and honour those who serve on our borders every day, risking their lives for our nation.

3:33 PM, 16 Jun

Both sides have been ascertaining that pending the final resolution of the boundary issue, it is important to maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas.

3:33 PM, 16 Jun

China has lodged solemn representations and protests to India. Here, we are sternly demanding India to earnestly abide by the relevant agreement and strictly restrain their frontline troops. They should not cross the borderlines says Zhao Lijian, the spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry

3:34 PM, 16 Jun

Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh has met with External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar and Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat and discussed the situation along the LAC.

3:37 PM, 16 Jun

Zhao Lijian, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson said that China has lodged solemn representations and protests to India. “Here, we are sternly demanding India to earnestly abide by the relevant agreement and strictly restrain their frontline troops. They should not cross the borderlines,” Lijian said.

3:38 PM, 16 Jun

"Chinese side also suffered casualties in the Galwan Valley physical clash", tweets Editor In Chief of Chinese Newspaper Global Times

3:39 PM, 16 Jun

The happening in the #Galwanvalley is a continuation of violations by China. It is time now that the country stands up to these incursions. Our soldiers are not fair game that every few days officers and men are being killed and injured defending our borders. (1/2)
— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) June 16, 2020

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said the happening in Galwan Valley is a continuation of violations by China and added that it is time now that India stood up to these incursions.

3:40 PM, 16 Jun

The talks are being held between Major General Abhijit Bapat, the commander of the Karu based HQ3 Infantry Division and his Chinese counterpart. The talks are being held at the site of the clash.

3:45 PM, 16 Jun

Samajwadi party chief Akhilesh Yadav took to Twitter and wrote, "Received the report of a commanding officer and two soldiers of Indian Army being killed in a 'violent face-off' with Chinese soldiers in the Galwan Valley in Ladakh. Heartfelt condolences." He also said that he expects a clarification on the ground reality of situation.

3:46 PM, 16 Jun

दो मुखी राजनीति

मोदी जी UPA पे आरोप लगाते थे के हम चीन को लाल आँख क्यूँ नहीं दिखते जब वो LAC पार करता है

मोदी जी आप चीन को लद्दाख़ में लाल आँख दिखने में क्यूँ झिझक रहे हैं ?

और जब नेपाल आप को लाल आँख देखा रहा है आप बात चीत करना चाहते हैं

छप्पन इंच की छाती कहाँ गयी ?
— Kapil Sibal (@KapilSibal) June 16, 2020

Congress leader Kapil Sibal slammed the Union government for failing to respond to Chinese action in Ladakh. He also took pot shot on Prime Minister's 56-inch chest.

3:46 PM, 16 Jun

Indian troops seriously violated consensus of the two sides by illegally crossing the border twice and carrying out provocative attacks on Chinese soldiers. This resulted in serious physical clashes, China’s Global Times said while quoting foreign minister, Wang Yi.

3:52 PM, 16 Jun

Former prime minister H D Deve Gowda on Tuesday termed as 'disturbing' the violent clash between Indian and Chinese troops in Galwan Valley and said the government should offer a clearer picture to the nation on the border issue. He sought to know as to how Indian soldiers lost their lives during a de-escalation process and said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh should come out with a clearer picture.

4:03 PM, 16 Jun

"Saddened by the news of the martyrdom of our boys in the Galwan Valley. I salute their indomitable courage, selflessness and sacrifice," said VK Singh.

4:11 PM, 16 Jun

The editor of Global Times posted on Twitter, “ based on what I know, Chinese side also suffered casualties in the Galwan Valley physical clash. I want to tell the Indian side, don’t be arrogant and misread China’s restraint as being weak. China doesn’t want to have a clash with India, but we don’t fear it.”

4:39 PM, 16 Jun

The talks between the two sides are still continuing and efforts are on to defuse tensions between India and China after a violent clash occurred.

4:41 PM, 16 Jun

The situation still remains fluid in Ladakh. Hectic talks are on to defuse the tensions along the Line of Actual Control.

5:06 PM, 16 Jun

The Congress has termed as "shocking" and "unacceptable" the death of an Indian Army officer and two soldiers in a violent face-off with the Chinese troops, and asked Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to confirm the development.

5:06 PM, 16 Jun

"Shocking, Unbelievable and Unacceptable! Will the Raksha Mantri confirm," Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said on Twitter.

5:08 PM, 16 Jun

Saddened by the news of the martyrdom of our boys in the Galwan Valley. I salute their indomitable courage, selflessness & sacrifice.

Jai Hind!!
— Vijay Kumar Singh (@Gen_VKSingh) June 16, 2020

Saddened by the news of the martyrdom of our boys in the Galwan Valley. I salute their indomitable courage, selflessness and sacrifice, Union Minister, General V K Singh said.

5:15 PM, 16 Jun

AIMIM chief and Lok Sabha MP Asaduddin Owaisi took to Twitter to condemn the killings of three Indian army personnel.

5:16 PM, 16 Jun

"India stands with the 3 brave martyrs who were killed by China today in Galwan. My thoughts are with families of Colonel & 2 brave soldiers. The commanding officer was leading from the front. The government must avenge these killings & ensure that their sacrifice was not in vain," Owaisi tweeted.

India-China standoff updates: 20 Indian soldiers killed; China suffers 43 casualties

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