Loss of soldiers in Galwan deeply disturbing, nation will never forget their bravery: Rajnath Singh

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said the “the loss of soldiers in Galwan is deeply disturbing and painful” after 20 soldiers lost their lives in the fierce face-off between the Indian Army and Chinese troops at Ladakh’s Galwan Valley.

Rajnath Singh tweeted, “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.”

In another tweet, he said that the country stands with the families of the martyred soldiers in this difficult time.

“The Nation will never forget their bravery and sacrifice. My heart goes out to the families of the fallen soldiers. The nation stands shoulder to shoulder with them in this difficult hour. We are proud of the bravery and courage of India’s breavehearts,” he tweeted.

The Indian Army initially said on Tuesday that an officer and two soldiers were killed. But in a late evening statement, it revised the figure to 20 saying 17 others who “were critically injured in the line of duty and exposed to sub-zero temperatures at the standoff location succumbed to their injuries.”

Government sources said the Chinese side too suffered “proportionate casualties” but chose not to speculate on the number.

It is the biggest confrontation between the two militaries after their 1967 clashes in Nathu La when India lost around 80 soldiers while over 300 Chinese army personnel were killed in the confrontation.