A Chinese soldier was apprehended by security forces in Chumar-Demchok area of Ladakh. He might have entered Indian territory inadvertently. He will be returned to the Chinese Army as per established protocol, the Indian Army said on Monday.

The Army issued a statement saying that the “apprehended People’s Liberation Army soldier provided medical assistance including oxygen, food and warm clothes.” The Indian Army said a request has been received from the Chinese PLA about the whereabouts of its missing soldier, PTI reported. 

“A PLA soldier identified as Corporal Wang Ya Long was apprehended in the Demchok sector of Eastern Ladakh on October 19 after he had strayed across the LAC,” the Army said in a statement.

“The PLA soldier has been provided medical assistance including oxygen, food and warm clothes to protect him from the vagaries of extreme altitude and harsh climatic conditions,” it added.

The statement said a request has also been received from the PLA about the whereabouts of the missing soldier.

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“As per established protocols, he will be returned back to Chinese officials at the Chushul–Moldo meeting point after completion of formalities,” the Army said.

India and China have been locked in a confrontation at the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh since May. Tension escalated in June when China killed 20 Indian soldiers in a clash at Galwan Valley. Last month, shots were fired in the air more than once as the two armies came face-to-face at Pangong Tso.

Ever since May, India and China have held several rounds of military and diplomatic talks to resolve the standoff but the Chinese have refused to adhere to agreements on restoring status quo.