Earlier, we reported about experts and audiences from China questioning the factual accuracy in the events depicted in Salman Khan's upcoming film, Battle of Galwan. The state-run publication, the Global Times recently ran a story that seemingly looked down upon the role that Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu, on whom Salman's character is based, played in the actual India-China battle from 2020 that inspired the film. "Salman Khan plays Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu, a role that Indian media claimed captured Bollywood's attention for his so-called pivotal role in the 2020 Galwan Valley clash," the outlet claimed. Shortly after, sources close to the Government of India have hit back at those in China. One of them spoke to NDTV about India's commitment to freedom of expression, including artistic expression. "Indian filmmakers are free to make films as per this artistic freedom," the source told the publication.

They denied the government's role in the making of the film, and any person who wants a clarification about it has been asked to seek the help of the Ministry of Defence. China's objection against Battle of Galwan also includes the claim that it exaggerates the number of casualties from the People's Liberation Army from the clash. According to China, only four PLA soldiers died during the battle; however, according to reports, the death count goes up to about 40. While the film does not reveal statistics in relation to the aforementioned, its teaser shows a clip where Salman's character's army is significantly outnumbered by the enemy's troops.