20 Indian soldiers killed in Ladakh clash

The Indian army initially said three of its soldiers were killed in a disputed Himalayan border area, adding that both sides suffered casualties.

Later, Indian officials said at least 20 Indian soldiers were killed in the clash.

The incident follows rising tensions, and is the first deadly clash in the border area in at least 45 years.

India's external affairs ministry accused China of breaking an agreement struck the previous week to respect the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Galwan Valley.

Violence between two armies high up in the Himalayas is very serious, and pressure will grow on the two nuclear powers not to allow a slide into full-scale conflict.

Dhaka/Mukul