US States Department spokesperson said: "We are closely monitoring the situation between Indian and Chinese forces along the Line of Actual Control. Both India and China have expressed a desire to de-escalate, and we support a peaceful resolution of the current situation.”
"We note the Indian military has announced that 20 soldiers have died, and we offer our condolences to their families. During their phone call on June 2, 2020, President Trump and Prime Minister Modi discussed the situation on the India-China border," the spokesperson further said. Also Read: 20 Indian Soldiers Martyred In Galwan Valley; 43 Casualties On The Chinese Side, Claim Sources
US’ statement comes close on the heels of India’s revelation that 20 of its Army personnel were killed in the face-off with China at the LAC.
This comes hours after India said that 20 of its Army personnel were killed in violent clashes with Chinese troops at Galway Valley at the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Also Read: PLA Tried To Change Status Quo, India Puts Blame For Border Clash On China; Amit Shah Meets PM Modi
During the faceoff, the External Affairs Ministry said, both sides suffered casualties and the Chinese side had departed from the consensus to respect the LAC in the Galway Valley.
The faceoff happened on late evening and night of June 15 in Ladakh's Galwan Valley as a result of an attempt by the Chinese troops to "unilaterally change" the status quo during de-escalation in Eastern Ladakh.
The MEA said that the Chinese side tried to unilaterally change the status quo in the Galwan Valley while India was upholding its side of the commitment.
Chinese foreign minister accused India of violating the consensus of the two sides by crossing the border. However, India has refuted the claims and denied any such allegations made by the Chinese Army.
Also Watch:"Concerned," UN reacts to LAC stand off between India and China