Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that the sacrifice of Indian soldiers killed in the clash with the Chinese troops at Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on the India-China border "will not go in vain".
"I want to assure the Nation that the sacrifice made by our soldiers will not go in vain. India's integrity and sovereignty is supreme for us, and no one can stop us from defending it," PM Modi said.
While maintaining that India is a peace-loving country, the prime minister warned that India will give a befitting reply if provoked.
"India wants peace. But on provocation, India will give a befitting reply," the prime minister said.
PM Modi further said that India has always tried to ensure that differences of opinion do not turn into a dispute.
"We never provoke anyone, but we also do not compromise with the integrity and sovereignty of our country. Whenever it was needed, we have demonstrated our strength, proving our capabilities in protecting and defending the integrity and sovereignty of the country," PM Modi added.
PM Modi has called for an all-party meeting at 5 pm on June 19 to discuss the situation in the India-China border areas.
"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," the PMO tweeted.
On Tuesday, the Indian Army said in a statement that 20 Army personnel, including a colonel, were killed on Monday night in the biggest ever military confrontation between the two armies since 1975. The Chinese People's Liberation Army reported 35 casualties, sources said, citing US intelligence reports.
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