The Indian government Saturday clarified that soldiers of the 16 Bihar Regiment "foiled the attempt of the Chinese side to erect structures" in Galwan Valley in Ladakh and also "cleared the attempted transgression at this point of the Line of Actual Control" leading to the loss of 20 Indian soldiers in what turned to be almost a hand to hand combat, the worst such conflict in 45 years between the two armies.  

Speaking at the All Party Meeting (APM) that was held virtually on Friday, PM Modi was clear that India would respond firmly to any attempts to transgress the Line of Actual Control (LAC).  The APM was also informed that this time Chinese forces came in much larger strength to the LAC and that the Indian response was commensurate. 

As regards any transgression of LAC, on which there were was some confusion in media reports,  it was officially stated Saturday that the violence in Galwan on 15 June arose because the Chinese side was seeking to erect structures just across the LAC and refused to desist from such actions.

"The focus of the PM’s remarks in the APM discussions were the events of 15 June at Galwan that led to the loss of lives of 20 Indian military personnel. Prime Minister paid glowing tributes to the valour and patriotism of our armed forces who repulsed the designs of the Chinese there. The Prime Minister’s observations that there was no Chinese presence on our side of the LAC pertained to the situation as a consequence of the bravery of our armed forces. The sacrifices of the soldiers of the 16 Bihar Regiment foiled the attempt of the Chinese side to erect structures and also cleared the attempted transgression at this point of the LAC on that day." an official statement said. 

According to the statement, PM Modi said: “Those who tried to transgress our land were taught a befitting lesson by our brave sons of soil”. He emphasised, “I want to assure you, that our armed forces will leave no stone unturned to protect our borders”.

What is Indian territory is clear from the map of India. This government is strongly and resolutely committed to safeguarding that, the statement further said. 

The APM was briefed in great detail how over the last 60 years, more than 43,000 sq.km has been yielded "under circumstances with which this country is well aware". It was also made clear that this government will not allow any unilateral change of the LAC.

Modi made eight key points in his closing address after the all-party meeting:  (a) There has been no intrusion leading to capture of posts (b) The 20 gallant soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice made the enemy pay a heavy price and taught a lesson forever. Their sacrifice will not be forgotten. (c) Our Forces are fully geared up in all dimensions and will maintain required deterrence. (d) We have given full autonomy to the Forces to take appropriate action at the operational level. (e) We desire peace and diplomatic efforts are on simultaneously to resolve the issue in a peaceful manner. (f) Our sovereignty is of utmost importance to us and we have made dedicated efforts to upgrade and improve border infrastructure in the past 5 years. (g) Better infrastructure has resulted in higher patrolling and checking of Chinese movements by our Forces. (h) India has never succumbed to external pressure on any issue and the same will be the case on this one too.