US Senator Bill Hagerty alleged that China used an electromagnetic weapon against Indian soldiers during a border dispute. The Tennessee Republican hinted that it was linked to the 2020 Galwan Valley clash but did not name it directly.
Hagerty said the weapon “literally melted” Indian troops during the confrontation. His statement came soon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping at the SCO Summit in Tianjin. The timing of the allegation created alarm in Washington.
Former US President Donald Trump also weighed in. He initially claimed that America had “lost India to darkest China.” Later, he called India an important partner and described Modi as a “very good friend.” Trump’s comments came even as his administration imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods and penalties for buying Russian oil.
India-China relations remain tense since the Galwan Valley clash in June 2020. The clash left 20 Indian soldiers dead. Reports suggested Chinese losses were higher, though Beijing gave no details. The violent standoff was the worst in 45 years and pushed ties to a historic low. Hagerty’s statement has revived global focus on the border conflict and its lasting impact on the region.
