India, China want peace but blame each other after deadly border clash

India and China said they wanted peace but blamed each other on Wednesday after soldiers of the two sides savagely fought each other with nail-studded clubs and stones on their Himalayan border, killing at least 20 Indian troops.

"We never provoke anyone," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on national television, referring to Monday's hand-to-hand fighting.

"There should be no doubt that India wants peace, but if provoked, India will provide an appropriate response."