'India Prepared To Protect Sovereignty And Dignity': PM Modi Sends Strong Message To China In WSJ Interview

In a strong message to China, Prime Minister Modi has stated that India is fully prepared and committed to protecting its sovereignty and dignity amid the ongoing standoff between the Indian Army and the People's Liberation Army on the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The Prime Minister made this comment in an interview with the US-based newspaper, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), prior to his departure for the United States earlier today (20 June).

Speaking about India's relations with China, he emphasized, "For normal bilateral ties with China, peace and tranquility in the border areas are essential."

Highlighting the importance of respecting the rule of law, the Prime Minister said, "We firmly believe in upholding sovereignty and territorial integrity, adhering to the rule of law, and seeking peaceful resolutions to differences and disputes."

However, in what appeared to be a warning to Beijing, the Prime Minister told the WSJ, "At the same time, India is fully prepared and committed to protecting its sovereignty and dignity."

Currently, Indian and Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) soldiers are locked in a three-year-long border standoff that originated in May 2020 along the LAC in eastern Ladakh.

Three years ago, on 16 June 2020, Indian and Chinese armies clashed in the Galwan Valley of Eastern Ladakh. The clash resulted in the deaths of dozens of PLA soldiers and claimed the lives of 20 Indian personnel.

The Chinese, however, only acknowledge three casualties.