Minor Skirmish Sees Chinese and Indian Forces Take Casualties at North Sikkim Border

Indian and Chinese troops were involved in minor clashes on their eastern Himalayan border on January 20th, according to a report from the Indian Army. The engagements took placed at the Naku La area of North Sikkim, although according to the Army’s statement the conflict was quickly resolved by local commanders using established protocols. This follows clashes in June 2020 after China accused Indian forces of crossing the border at Galwan Valley, several thousand miles away from Sikkim, and attacking Chinese forces on their side of the Line of Actual Control — a dividing line created after the 1962 war between the two countries. Although the recent clash saw a some personnel injured, prior clashes in 2020 were much more serious and saw Indian forces take over 150 casualties. Few further details regarding the most recent engagement have been given, but both Beijing and Delhi have gone to considerable lengths to avert further tensions. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian stated regarding the clashes which took place: “I would like to stress though that China’s border troops are committed to upholding peace and tranquillity along the border with India. We urge the Indian side to work in the same direction as us and refrain from actions that might escalate or complicate the situation along the border,” he told a regular news briefing. We hope both sides will take proper actions to manage their differences and take concrete actions to safeguard peace and stability along the border.”