India-China border row: Trump says he would 'love to help'
United States President Donald Trump has extended his aid in resolving the ongoing border conflict between India and China. Describing the conflict as "very nasty," Trump said that the US would "love to help" adding that he is in talks with both countries. The situation along the Indo-China border in Eastern Ladakh has remained tense since the two forces clashed in early-May.
'It's been a very nasty situation'
Speaking during a White House press briefing, Trump said that India and China have been "going at it pretty good on the border." "It's been a very nasty situation," he said. "We stand ready to help with respect to China and India if we can do anything we would love to get involved and help. And we are talking to both countries about that."
Trump had previously offered help in May
Trump had earlier offered to help with the India-China border row in May. He had tweeted, "We have informed both India and China that the United States is ready, willing and able to mediate or arbitrate their now raging border dispute." However, both nations had turned him down. He had also offered to mediate between India and Pakistan after the February 2019 Pulwama attack.
Border conflict worsened after recent provocation near Pangong Tso
According to the Indian Army, on the intervening night of August 29 and 30, Chinese forces carried out provocative military movements to change the status quo at the southern bank of the Pangong Tso lake in Eastern Ladakh. The Indian Army said the attempts were thwarted by its troops. Since the recent provocation, both sides have heightened military deployment in the region.
India, China increase infantry, tank deployment
China has ordered a major build-up of tanks and infantry in South Pangong. The Chinese Air Force has also increased deployment from the Ngari-Gunsa and Hotan airbases. India has reinforced its own tank formations in the area and deployed additional troops.
Border tensions remain heightened since early-May clash
Tensions along the LAC intensified after clashes between the two forces at various locations in early-May. Since then, both sides have been engaged in diplomatic and military-level talks. However, even as the talks continued, a violent clash erupted in the Galwan Valley on June 15, which led to the martyrdom of 20 Indian Army soldiers. China has not confirmed the official number of casualties.
India's Defence Minister met Chinese counterpart yesterday
Earlier on Friday, India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held an over two-hour-long meeting with Chinese counterpart General Wei Fenghe in Moscow on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meet. Singh urged China to restore the status quo ante. Meanwhile, India's Chief of Army Staff General MM Naravane expressed confidence that the conflict can be resolved through talks.
