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."