Telecom dept likely to rejig BSNL 4G tender to exclude Chinese firms: Sources

As tensions between India and China remain elevated after fatal clash at Ladakh, sources have revealed that telecom department has decided to keep Chinese companies out of state-owned BSNL's 4G network up-gradation tender. Sources say Centre is actively considering steps to also encour private telecom companies to speedily reduce ir dependence on 'made in China' equipment.

Chinese companies like Huawei have made advancement into next-generation telecommunication techlogy like 5G and Artificial Intelligence and have expanded ir operations to sell telecom gear to foreign vendors. However, such companies have come under scanner of security ncies and governments like US who say such companies allow Beijing to get backdoor access into networks and poses risk to data privacy and national security.

READ | India-China LAC Clash: Ladakh MP Salutes Martyred Soldiers For ir Selfless Sacrifice

20 Indian soldiers martyred 

Indian Army on Tuesday confirmed that 20 soldiers were martyred in violent face-off at Line of Actual Control, that took place on late Monday night. After initially confirming that three soldiers had died, Army later added that 17 more personnel who were critically injured succumbed to ir injuries. As per latest reports, 4 more jawans are said to be critical.

confrontation took place when de-escalation process was underway along LAC. As per reports,  Chinese also suffered about 43 casualties. face-off was reportedly provoked by an attack on an Indian Colonel with iron rods, leading to physical hand-to-hand combat between armies involving clubs and rocks for many hours.

In response to violent face-off, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called an all-party meet on June 19 at 5 PM to discuss situation at India-China border areas.   Prime Minister's office has said that presidents of various political parties can take part in meeting that will be held virtually due to Coronavirus outbreak. 

READ | Four Indian Soldiers In Critical Condition Post Violent India-China Face-off In Ladakh

READ | Indian Army Colonel & Two Jawans Martyred In Violent Faceoff With Chinese Troops At Ladakh