MEA says it has "no role" in filmmaking ventures like 'Battle of Galwan'; matter handled by relevant authorities

New Delhi [India], January 16 (ANI): Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Friday responded to queries on the movie 'Battle of Galwan' and clarified that the MEA has no role in such ventures.
He made the remarks during the weekly press briefing in the national capital.
"We understand that a film of this nature is being planned. Issues related to filmmaking in India are handled by the relevant authorities. As far as we are concerned, MEA has no role in this or in such ventures," Jaiswal stated.
The remarks come amid growing attention around Salman Khan starrer 'Battle of Galwan', which has been making headlines in India and globally following the release of its teaser on December 27, coinciding with the actor's birthday.
The film has also drawn criticism from China's state-run media outlet Global Times, which claimed that it was "distorting facts".
According to the paper, Chinese experts alleged that no matter how "over-the-top" a drama may be, a nation's sacred territory will never be affected by a film, as per the outlet.
The film, directed by Apoorva Lakhia, features Salman Khan in an Indian Army uniform and is based on the Galwan Valley clashes at the India-China border in 2020.
Twenty Indian soldiers had died during the Galwan Valley clash on June 16, 2020, five years ago, while the Chinese side also faced heavy casualties.
Following the clashes, tensions between India and China rose, with the army deploying formations near the Galwan Valley along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, and undertaking activities such as surveying border areas to stop a "possible" Chinese aggression.
Since the clashes, India and China have steadily disengaged from various border areas and have also created buffer zones in several locations.
Against this backdrop, the teaser of the film was unveiled on the occasion of 'Bhaijaan's' birthday. Taking to his Instagram account, Salman Khan shared the film's teaser.
The teaser shows Salman playing an Indian Army officer and depicts him in a serious and restrained look.
The visuals depict rough terrain, cold weather, and close combat, offering a glimpse of the challenges soldiers face at high altitude.
Actor Chitrangda Singh has been paired opposite Salman in the film. It is set to hit theatres on April 17.
Meanwhile, on December 7, 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh virtually inaugurated the "Galwan War Memorial", paying tribute to the 20 Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in the Galwan Valley clash. (ANI)