Leh/IBNS: Five Indian soldiers died of drowning after their tank was swept away during the river-crossing exercise in Leh near China border in the early hours of Saturday, media reports said.

The accident occurred near the Line ofActual Control in Leh's Daulat Beg Oldi area, reports claim.

The soldiers were in the middle of their training in Bodhi river when the level of water suddenly increased, NDTV quoted sources.

The tank and the soldiers were then overwhelmed.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh posted on X, "Deeply saddened at the loss of lives of five of our brave Indian Army soldiers in an unfortunate accident while getting the tank across a river in Ladakh.

"We will never forget exemplary service of our gallant soldiers to the nation. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. The nation stands firm with them during this hour of grief."