India: Reports of soldiers killed in Galwan Valley (Ladakh territory) June 15 /update 1

Event

Multiple soldiers were reportedly killed on Monday evening (local time), June 15, following clashes between Indian and Chinese military detachments in the disputed border region of Galwan Valley (Ladakh territory). According to media sources, the commanding officer of an Indian infantry battalion was killed, along with two infantrymen. Unconfirmed reports state that the deaths were a result of violent scuffles and live ammunition was not used.

Further deployments, and potential clashes between the two sides, remain possible in the near term.

Context

China has administered Aksai Chin, including the Galwan Valley, since the conclusion of the Sino-Indian war of 1962. The Indian government disputes China's control of the area; although the Chinese and Indian governments agreed in 2005 to a resolution of the border dispute, no further progress has been made on the demarcation of the Line of Actual Control (LAC). India's recent construction of infrastructure near the LAC has acted as a point of contention between the two sides.

Advice

Individuals present in the region are advised to avoid the vicinity of the disputed area, monitor developments, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.