India wants peace but if instigated can befittingly reply: PM Modi on violent standoff with China

In his strong message, Modi said the sacrifice of the Indian soldiers during the clash with Chinese troops at Galwan Valley in Ladakh would not go in vain.

"The sacrifice of our jawans will not be in vain," he said.

"India wants peace but if instigated then the country is capable of giving a fitting reply, be it any kind of situation," he said.

He said the country should be proud that the soldiers died fighting.

PM calls for all-party meet:

Meanwhile, the PM also called for an all-party meeting on June 19 at 5 pm to discuss the situation in the India-China border areas.

PMO India tweeted: " In order to discuss the situation in the India-China border areas, Prime Minister @narendramodi has called for an all-party meeting at 5 PM on 19th June. Presidents of various political parties would take part in this virtual meeting. "

At least 20 Indian soldiers, including a Colonel, were martyred during a "violent face-off" with Chinese forces along the Galwan Valley in Eastern Ladakh on Monday night, the Indian Army confirmed Tuesday.  

"Indian and Chinese troops have disengaged at the Galwan area where they had earlier clashed on the night of 15/16 June 2020.

"17 Indian troops who were critically injured in the line of duty at the stand off location and 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," the Indian Army said in a statement.