Why Galwan Valley has become a flashpoint between India and China

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured the nation that China has not encroached into Indian territory or taken control of any Indian military positions. Modi said that the Indian forces are fully capable of protecting India's borders and that the army has been given a free hand to respond as seen appropriate.

Meanwhile, China has once again laid claim to the Galwan river valley in Ladakh which has become a flashpoint between India and China.

The Chinese foreign ministry said 'the Galwan valley is located on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control in the west section of the China-India boundary.

For many years, the Chinese border troops have been patrolling and on duty in this region'. This is the second time China has made a claim over Galwan valley. China says that its troops have patrolled the river valley for many years. But the ground reality is that Galwan valley lies on the Indian side of the LAC and has never before been a point of contention between the two sides. It was the PLA that first claimed sovereignty over the Galwan valley immediately after the faceo-ff was confirmed. The Indian foreign ministry dismissed the claims as exaggerated and untenable.

Beijing once again blamed India for triggering Monday's standoff. The foreign ministry statement went on to say that since April this year Indian troops have unilaterally built roads, bridges and other facilities in Galwan valley. China accused Indian troops of deliberately trying to change the status quo at the border.

Meanwhile, China has also conducted a military drill in Tibet autonomous region, amid tensions along the border between China and India.

The drills by both nations at an altitude of more than 4,700 meters is to test the firepower of the troops.