France condoles martyrdom of Indian Jawans in Galwan clash with China; assures support

French Defence Minister Florence Parly on Monday wrote to her Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh, condoling martyrdom of twenty Indian soldiers in Galwan Valley clash on June 15-16. She said that this was a "hard blow" against soldiers, ir families and nation. This comes as a big statement in support to India from a permanent member of UNSC, in face of tensions with China.

'In se difficult circumstances...'

She said, "This was a hard blow against soldiers, ir families, and  nation. In se difficult circumstances, I wish to express my steadfast and friendly support, along with that of French armed forces," Florence Parly wrote. 

Recalling that India is France's strategic partner in region, Parly reiterated her country's deep solidarity. French Armed Forces Minister also expressed readiness to meet Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in India, at his invitation, to follow up on ongoing discussions.

Earlier, both leaders held a telephonic conversation during which Parly conveyed that  Rafale jets will be delivered to India as scheduled twithstanding coronavirus pandemic.  Defence Ministry said two ministers discussed matters of mutual concern including regional security scenario and agreed to strengn bilateral defence cooperation.

'France reaffirmed its commitment...'

“France reaffirmed its commitment to ensure timely delivery of Rafale Aircraft despite challenges posed by  COVID-19 pandemic,” ministry said in a statement.

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Meanwhile, third round of Corps Commander-level talks between India and China to discuss and diffuse tension over ongoing dispute along Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh is scheduled to be held on Tuesday in Chushul, Leh, sources informed on Monday.

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"Third round of Corps Commander-level talks scheduled tomorrow at 10:30 am in Chushul in Ladakh," a source told ANI. first two rounds had taken place in Moldo on Chinese side of LAC. In second round of Corps Commander-level talks held on June 22, both sides reached a mutual consensus to diseng in Eastern Ladakh sector, army sources said.

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India-China tensions

Slamming China's incursion into Indian territory at LAC, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had asserted that Chinese side took pre-meditated and planned action that was directly responsible for resulting violence and casualties which reflected its intent to 'change facts' on ground in violation of previous agreements reached during his telephonic conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

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(With ncy inputs)