Three Indian soldiers were killed in a "violent face-off" with Chinese troops on the disputed border, the Indian Army said on Tuesday, reporting the first casualties in 53 years to result from a clash between the nuclear-armed neighbours.

Indian government sources said no shots were fired but a physical fight broke out between the two sides with soldiers using batons and throwing stones, which resulted in the casualties.

China blamed India for the clash on Monday and editor of the government-controlled Global Times said the Chinese military had also...