India-China standoff: MEA confirms Pangong skirmish

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on 18 August confirmed the skirmish at Pangong lake that occurred on 15 August, saying, it was later discussed by the Army officers on both the sides.

"There was an incident on 15 August. It was later discussed by Army officers on both sides," said Raveesh Kumar, MEA spokesperson here during a press meet.

However, he did not confirm if there was stone pelting or use of roads during the skirmish.

Amid strained ties over the Doklam standoff in the Sikkim sector, Indian and Chinese boat patrols clashed at the Pangong lake in Ladakh on Tuesday, even as the People's Liberation Army (PLA) declined the Indian invitation to participate in ceremonial border meetings on the occasion of India's 71st Independence Day.

This was the first time since 2005 that the PLA has declined to meet with their Indian counterpart.

Indian and Chinese boat patrols clashed with each other at Pangong Tso lake in Ladakh at 7:30 am near the Finger-6 part of the 135-km long lake, one-third of which is in Indian control and the rest under Chinese control.

It was earlier reported that the brief standoff led to jostling and exchange of blows between soldiers of the two armies; but, no shots were fired though. 

-ANI