US Backs India Amid Border Tensions With China; Talks On To End Stand-Off At LAC In Sikkim & Ladakh

The United States on May 20 came out strongly in support of India on the recent border skirmishes between India and China. Addressing an online press briefing, Ambassador Alice G Wells, said Beijing’s recent behaviour was provocative and disturbing. The disapproval of the U.S. is more direct than has usually been the case. This is significant as it comes in the backdrop of US President Donald Trump accusing Xi Jinping’s government of covering up information about the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S.’s Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Affairs, Alice G Wells emphasised the need for like-minded countries to come together. These remarks come in the backdrop of escalated tensions at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between the armies of India and China in Sikkim and Ladakh. India has reinforced troops as well as flown IAF jets over the past few weeks after reports of China pitching tents near river Galwan, a 1962 flashpoint that has seen aggression in recent days. Reportedly, flag meetings and military talks are being held at multiple levels between the Indian Army field commanders and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to de-escalate the rising tensions between India and China.