3 Indian soldiers killed in clash with Chinese forces; 1st fatalities since 1975

The ministry of defence announced on Tuesday that a "violent faceoff" took place between Indian and Chinese Armies in Eastern Ladakh on Monday night even as the two sides continue talks to resolve their ongoing standoff. The ministry of defence released an interim statement noting that an "officer and two soldiers" of Indian Army had died in the incident. This is believed to be the first incident of firing and violence leading to fatalities between India and China in over four decades. Four soldiers were killed in a Chinese ambush in Arunachal Pradesh in 1975.

The ministry of defence stated, "During the de-escalation process underway in the Galwan Valley, a violent face-off took place yesterday night with casualties. The loss of lives on the Indian side includes an officer and two soldiers. Senior military officials of the two sides are currently meeting at the venue to defuse the situation."

Reports suggested that a colonel commanding an infantry battalion was the officer killed, though this is yet to be confirmed.

The Indian Army is expected to give more details on the incident later in the day.