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Modi Vows to Defend India Sovereignty After Deadly China Clashes

  • China’s Wang accused India’s troops of initiating the attacks
  • Both sides in talks to reduce tensions amid deteriorating ties
Indian army convoy moves along the Srinagar-Leh National highway towards Ladakh on June 17.
Indian army convoy moves along the Srinagar-Leh National highway towards Ladakh on June 17.Photographer: Faisal Khan/NurPhoto via Getty Images
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed India will defend its sovereignty in his first public statement since deadly clashes along its contested border with China resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian troops and an unknown number of Chinese casualties.

“India wants peace,” Modi said in a televised address Wednesday. “But when provoked India will and is capable of giving an appropriate answer under any circumstances. And on the subject of our martyred, brave soldiers -- the nation will be proud that they died while hitting back.”