At least 20 Indian soldiers were killed in a clash with Chinese forces in a disputed Himalayan border area, Indian officials say. The incident follows rising tensions, and is the first deadly clash in the border area in at least 45 years. The Indian army initially said three of its soldiers had been killed, adding that both sides suffered casualties. But later on Tuesday, officials said a number of critically injured soldiers had died of their wounds. China and India have accused each other of provoking fighting in which at least 20 Indian soldiers were killed in a disputed Himalayan border area. Soldiers reportedly brawled with sticks, bats and bamboo sticks studded with nails in the late-night confrontation in the Ladakh region on Monday. However, no shots were fired. India’s army said that both sides suffered casualties. China confirmed the incident but did not give details. The Indian statement notes that injured soldiers were “exposed to sub-zero temperatures in the high altitude terrain”.