Salman Khan’s Battle of Galwan teaser draws criticism from Chinese state media

Salman Khan–starrer Battle of Galwan has drawn attention both in India and internationally following the release of its teaser on December 27, which coincided with the actor’s birthday.

The film has now come under criticism from Global Times, a state-run Chinese media outlet, which alleged that the film was “distorting facts.”

According to the publication, Chinese experts claimed that regardless of how “over-the-top” a drama may be, a nation’s sacred territory would never be affected by a film.

In Battle of Galwan, directed by Apoorva Lakhia, Salman Khan is seen wearing the Indian Army uniform. The film is based on the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes along the India-China border. Twenty Indian soldiers were killed during the clash on June 16, 2020, five years ago, while the Chinese side also suffered heavy casualties.

Following the incident, tensions between India and China escalated, with the deployment of additional army formations near the Galwan Valley along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh.

The Indian Army also undertook various activities, including surveying border areas, to prevent a “possible” Chinese aggression. Since then, both countries have gradually disengaged from several border points and created buffer zones in multiple areas.

The teaser for the film was unveiled on the occasion of Salman Khan’s birthday. Sharing the teaser on Instagram, the actor offered a glimpse of his role as an Indian Army officer.

He appears in a serious and restrained avatar, with visuals showcasing rugged terrain, extreme cold conditions, and close-combat scenes, highlighting the challenges faced by soldiers deployed at high altitudes.

Actor Chitrangda Singh has been cast opposite Salman Khan in the film, which is scheduled to release in theatres on April 17, 2026.

Meanwhile, on December 7, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh virtually inaugurated the “Galwan War Memorial,” honouring the 20 Indian soldiers who lost their lives in the Galwan Valley clash. Addressing the ceremony at the Leh Army Base, he said, “The bravery of our soldiers is an inspiration for all of us.”

Speaking about the memorial, Major General Arindam Saha, General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3rd Infantry Division, said, “This is a solemn tribute to our 20 brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty during the Galwan Valley clash on June 15, 2020. On the last Army Day, the Defence Minister had announced the construction of this memorial. Building such a structure at 14,500 feet is no ordinary task, but the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) completed it within a limited timeframe.”

Major General Saha added that the memorial stands as a reflection of India’s unwavering commitment to honouring its fallen heroes.