US Senator Makes Bizarre Claim On Galwan Clash: 'China Used Weapons To Melt Indian Soldiers'

Last Updated:September 12, 2025, 13:34 IST

Without directly naming the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, Hagerty suggested that the alleged weapon was used during that confrontation

US Senator Bill Hagerty | Image: X

A US lawmaker sparked controversy by alleging that China deployed an “electromagnetic weapon" to melt the Indian soldiers during a border standoff five years ago.

Republican Senator Bill Hagerty of Tennessee made the claim while speaking about shifting global alliances.

Without directly naming the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, Hagerty suggested that the alleged weapon was used during that confrontation.

“China and India have a long history of grievances and distrust. Barely five years ago, China and India were fighting over a disputed border, and China used an electromagnetic weapon to literally melt Indian soldiers," he said.

The claim comes just weeks after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Tianjin, an interaction that drew close scrutiny in Washington.

The Galwan incident in June 2020 marked the most violent border clash between India and China in over four decades.

A brutal hand-to-hand confrontation left 20 Indian soldiers dead, including a commanding officer. Beijing acknowledged casualties on its side but did not release numbers, though independent reports suggested Chinese losses were higher.

The standoff drove bilateral ties to their lowest point in decades.

Hagerty’s comments also touched on US policy, warning that the dynamics of global partnerships are shifting rapidly. His remarks followed former US President Donald Trump’s statement that the US had “lost India to darkest China," a comment he later softened by reaffirming India as a critical partner.

Tensions in India-US trade relations have also flared recently after Trump announced a 50% tariff on Indian imports, including penalties tied to New Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil.

While the move strained ties, both Trump and Modi have publicly signalled a willingness to work together, with Trump saying he looked forward to resuming talks soon.

News world US Senator Makes Bizarre Claim On Galwan Clash: 'China Used Weapons To Melt Indian Soldiers'

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