India and China have been at odds over their border since the 1950s, and in 1962, they went to war over it.
NEW DELHI: Five Indian soldiers were killed when a military tank they were travelling in sank while crossing a river in the remote region of Ladakh that borders China, officials said Saturday.
The tank sank early Saturday due to sudden increase in the water levels of Shyok River during a military training activity, according to an Indian army command center statement.
According to the report, the incident happened in Saser Brangsa, close to the Line of Actual Control that separates China and India in the Ladakh area.
According to Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, it was a “unfortunate accident”.
“We shall never forget the heroic service rendered to the country by our brave soldiers. I send the families of the deceased my sincere sympathies.
On the social media platform X, Singh posted, “The country stands firm with them during this hour of sadness.
Ever since their clashes at their land border in May 2020, in which twenty Indian and four Chinese soldiers lost their lives, the Indian and Chinese forces have been trapped in a standoff in Ladakh.
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Tens of thousands of military soldiers from both sides have been stationed in the untamed mountainous territory as the fight has escalated into a protracted standoff.
To end their deadliest military confrontation in decades, Beijing and New Delhi have had a number of military and diplomatic discussions.
India and China have been at odds over their border since the 1950s, and in 1962, they went to war over it.
