US Senator’s Shocking Claim: Did China Use Electromagnetic Weapons on Indian Soldiers?

By andrew rose
Published: September 12, 2025

A surprising claim by a U.S. senator has raised eyebrows and sparked debate about a 2020 border clash between China and India. Senator Bill Hagerty, a Republican from Tennessee, recently stated that China used an “electromagnetic weapon” during a conflict in the Galwan Valley, allegedly causing Indian soldiers to “literally melt.” This bold statement, made during a discussion on U.S.-India relations, has brought renewed attention to a tense moment in global geopolitics. For Americans, this news highlights the growing concerns about advanced military technologies and their implications for international security, including U.S. alliances with countries like India.

The Galwan Valley clash occurred in June 2020 along the India-China border in a remote, mountainous region. It was one of the deadliest confrontations between the two nations in decades, resulting in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and an unknown number of Chinese troops. At the time, both sides used sticks, stones, and fists instead of firearms due to agreements to avoid escalating the conflict. However, Senator Hagerty’s recent claim suggests that China may have used a high-tech, non-lethal weapon to gain an advantage. He stated that China deployed an electromagnetic weapon, specifically a microwave-based system, to force Indian soldiers out of disputed areas.

### What Are Electromagnetic Weapons?

Electromagnetic weapons, like microwave weapons, are advanced technologies that use energy to disrupt or harm targets without traditional explosives. These weapons can emit powerful microwaves that cause intense heat or pain, forcing people to retreat. In 2020, Chinese state media claimed that their military used non-lethal microwave weapons in the Galwan Valley to push Indian soldiers away from strategic high-ground positions. However, neither India nor China officially confirmed these claims at the time, and no independent evidence has verified the use of such weapons.

Senator Hagerty’s statement that Indian soldiers were “literally melted” is dramatic and unconfirmed by any public military records or independent sources. The phrase likely exaggerates the effects of microwave weapons, which are designed to cause discomfort or temporary injury rather than extreme physical harm like melting. The Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not commented on Hagerty’s claims, leaving the statement open to speculation and debate.

### Why Did Hagerty Make This Claim?

Hagerty’s remarks came during a discussion about U.S.-India relations, a critical topic as the United States seeks to strengthen ties with India to counter China’s influence in Asia. The senator expressed concern about a recent meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping at a summit in Beijing. A photo of the two leaders together raised eyebrows in Washington, where some worry that India might be softening its stance toward China. Hagerty argued that the U.S. should not misinterpret this meeting, emphasizing the “deep distrust” between India and China due to their long history of border disputes and rivalry.

“International relations are more than just a photo opportunity,” Hagerty said, pointing out that India and China have a complicated relationship marked by competition and conflict. The 2020 Galwan clash is a prime example, as it heightened tensions and led to increased military buildup along the border. Hagerty’s mention of electromagnetic weapons seems aimed at reminding Americans of China’s aggressive tactics and the importance of supporting India as a strategic partner.

### Why This Matters for the United States

For Americans, this story raises important questions about the role of advanced weapons in modern warfare and the U.S.’s position in global conflicts. Electromagnetic and microwave weapons are part of a new wave of military technology that countries like China, Russia, and the U.S. are developing. In fact, the U.S. military has explored similar technologies, such as the Active Denial System, which uses microwaves to disperse crowds by creating a burning sensation on the skin. If China indeed used such weapons in 2020, it could signal that they are ahead in deploying these systems in real-world conflicts.

The U.S. has a strong interest in supporting India as a counterbalance to China’s growing power. India is a key partner in the Quad, a group that includes the U.S., Japan, and Australia, aimed at promoting security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. However, India’s delicate balancing act—maintaining ties with both the U.S. and China—can create tension. Hagerty’s comments highlight the need for the U.S. to deepen its strategic partnership with India, especially in areas like defense and technology, to ensure a united front against potential threats.

### Unanswered Questions

While Hagerty’s claim is attention-grabbing, it lacks concrete evidence, and some experts question its accuracy. The idea of soldiers “melting” seems more like hyperbole than fact, as microwave weapons typically cause temporary effects rather than catastrophic harm. Without confirmation from India, China, or independent sources, the claim remains speculative. Still, it underscores the growing role of advanced technologies in global conflicts and the need for transparency.

### Looking Ahead

As India strengthens its ties with the U.S. while navigating its complex relationship with China, the world will be watching. The Galwan Valley clash remains a sore point, and claims like Hagerty’s could fuel further debate about what really happened. For now, the U.S. must focus on building trust with India through defense cooperation, technology sharing, and joint efforts to address global challenges like China’s military advancements.

This story serves as a reminder that the world of geopolitics is complex, with new technologies adding layers of uncertainty. As countries race to develop cutting-edge weapons, the U.S. and its allies, including India, must work together to ensure stability and security in an increasingly tense world.