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India, China Trade Blame After Deadly Border Clash

Anjana Pasricha

   NEW DELHI - The deadliest confrontation between India and China in
   nearly five decades that killed 20 Indian soldiers represents a
   dangerous escalation of their long-simmering border dispute and the
   path to a resolution will not be easy for two countries led by
   nationalist leaders, say analysts.

   "I would like to assure the nation that the sacrifice of our jawans
   (soldiers) will not be in vain," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in
   televised remarks in New Delhi on Wednesday. "For us, the unity and
   sovereignty of the country is the most important. India wants peace but
   when provoked is capable of giving a befitting reply be it any kind of
   situation."

   Both sides have blamed each other for provoking the violent faceoff in
   an icy, barren Himalayan desert in the Galwan Valley in Eastern Ladakh.
   Details remain sketchy -- but the troops are reported to have fought
   with iron rods and rocks during a prolonged brawl. According to reports
   in Indian media, some soldiers fell or were pushed into a river.

   While Indian officials say the Chinese army also suffered losses,
   Beijing has not confirmed it.

   "The killing of Indian troops by very barbaric means has pushed the
   Indian government into a corner. It has to react in a fairly meaningful
   fashion if it is not to lose the public support it has," said Bharat
   Karnad, a strategic affairs expert at the Center for Policy Research in
   New Delhi, who warns that the dispute could escalate.

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