Global support for India on LAC clash gains in momentum

NEW DELHI: Global support for India is gaining in strength even as Delhi and Beijing are engaged in de-escalation efforts along the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh. In a show of support US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo overnight Friday expressed his condolences over the deaths of 20 Indian Army soldiers due to the violent face-off with Chinese troops in Galwan Valley of eastern Ladakh.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the people of India for the lives lost as a result of the recent confrontation with China. We will remember the soldiers’ families, loved ones, and communities as they grieve," Pompeo tweeted,



In Delhi Ambasador Ken Juster expressing solidarity tweeted, “The U.S. Mission in India sends our heartfelt condolences to the families of the soldiers who were lost at Galwan. Their bravery and courage will not be forgotten”

Earlier this week, the US State Department, while condoling the deaths of the Indian soldiers, had said it was “closely monitoring" the situation between India and China and supported a peaceful resolution of the current situation. Also on Thursday, White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany told reporters at the daily briefing that President Donald Trump was aware of the situation on the India-China border.

Talking to reporters on Thursday David R. Stilwell, Assistant Secretary Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, US State Department, also expressed concern. He remarked, “What we’re doing, we’re obviously watching the India-China border dispute very closely. It – this activity is similar to activity we’ve seen in the past on border disputes with the PRC, and again, I would point you to those – I think it was 2014 when Xi Jinping travelled to India the first time. The PLA invaded this contested area deeper and longer, with more people, than ever before historically. Again, whether that was a negotiating tactic or a – just a punch in the nose to demonstrate their superiority, I don’t know.”

“But then we saw the Doklam issue down near Bhutan, where we saw similar concerns. I wish I knew. Again, we don’t have a lot of visibility and we don’t have a lot of open dialogue with our Chinese counterparts, and honestly I’d like to see more of that if we can.”

Nearer home Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid tweeted, “The Maldives extends deepest condolences to the people of India for the lives lost in recent clashes on the border. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, loved ones, and communities of the soldiers.”

In Delhi envoys of France, India’s closest strategic partner in Europe, Italy and Australia expressed deep sympathies over the loss of lives. “…my deepest sympathies go to the families of the Indian soldiers who lost their lives in the incident. India and China are both very important partners not only for Italy, but also for the European Union as a whole. Both countries are crucial actors for regional and global stability,” Italian Ambassador to India Vincenzo de Luca told ET.

French Ambassador Emmanuel Lenain in his tweet wrote, “Our heartfelt condolences to the people of India and our thoughts to the mourning families of the Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in the line of duty over the past few days.”

Recently during his address at the Delhi-based think tank Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF), Australian High Commissioner to India, Barry O’Farrell reprimanded Chinese approach without naming it. He said that both India and Australia are grappling with the implications of creeping authoritarianism and the risks it poses of democracy, transparency and openness. Asserting that Beijing’s moves to unilaterally alter the status quo in the South China Sea are not in line with consensus building and dialogue, O'Farrell said that frameworks which have underpinned the post-World War II era need to be protected.

"We note India’s efforts to de-escalate at the border and wish to convey our deepest condolences to the families of the Indian soldiers who have lost their lives. As a father of a serving military officer, I greatly value the sacrifice that our soldiers make in the defence of our countries," said O’Farrell.

German Envoy to India tweeted, “Our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the soldiers who lost their lives in Galwan.”

Japanese envoy to India Satoshi Suzuki tweeted, “Our deepest condolences to the people of India and to the families of the Indian soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty at Galwan.”

Brazilian Embassy in Delhi in statement expressed similar sentiments. “Our heartfelt sympathies to the people of India and deepest condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of the soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty in Galwan.”