At least 20 soldiers have been killed in a violent clash between Indian and Chinese troops at Ladakh within the disputed region of Kashmir according to Indian Defence officials.
The incident is the first deadly clash between both nuclear armed neighbors in 45 years signifying a rise in tensions.
Initial reports had placed the number of Indian deaths at 3 while five Chinese soldiers were alleged to have died, although China did not confirm this.
Indian officials revised the casualty figures later on Tuesday to 20 saying some soldiers who were severely injured in the attack died of their wounds. Local residents in the area say the Indians were beaten to death but this has not been confirmed by official sources.
Just last week, India’s ministry of external affairs accused China of violating an agreement to respect the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Galwan valley.
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Reacting to the incident, authorities in India said the violent clash happened because Chinese soldiers attempted to change the status quo in the area.
Spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry, Zhao Lijian accused the Indians of crossing the border twice on Monday which provoked attacks from Chinese personnel in the area which resulted in the violent confrontation between both sides.
Situation has been tense in the border region in the last few weeks with as India accused China of sending thousands of troops into the area. It also accused China of occupying 38,000sq km (14,700sq miles) of its territory.
Both countries fought briefly in 1962 in which India suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of the Chinese.