Indian police detain army veterans protesting against China in New Delhi

Police in New Delhi on Wednesday detained protesters who had gathered outside the Chinese embassy following the death of at least 20 soldiers during clashes with the Chinese army at the disputed Himalayan border.

At least half a dozen army veterans were among the protesters, demanding a "tit-for-tat response" from the Indian government in retaliation for the deaths on June 15 night.

People in Begaluru paid tribute to the slain soldiers and held posters demanding "justice for our soldiers" and declaring "we are peace lovers at the same time we are also warriors".

Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh also paid tribute to the soldiers in a series of tweets.

According to the Indian government sources, the fighting broke out during a meeting to discuss ways to de-escalate tensions, and the colonel commanding the Indian side was one of the first to be struck and killed.

Beijing has not confirmed any Chinese casualties, although Indian media quoted officials as saying at least 45 people were dead or injured on the Chinese side.

Many of the other Indian soldiers who died had succumbed to their wounds, having been unable to survive the night in freezing temperatures.

SS