India, July 6 -- The Indian Army has confirmed that the soldiers - including the Commanding Officer of 16 Bihar regiment in charge of the area - were martyred while a 'de-escalation process' was underway. Ironically, China has accused Indian troops of crossing the border twice, "provoking and attacking Chinese personnel". Both sides insisted that no shots were fired. Indian officials gave accounts of fighting with bare hands, iron rods and stones. There were reports of Chinese casualties, but no official confirmation.

Military officials from both countries later met to "defuse the situation", the Indian army said. The incident follows rising tensions, and is the first deadly clash in the border area in at least 45 years. External affairs...