Congress alleges govt prioritising image over national interests on China policy
New Delhi: The Congress on Friday accused the Narendra Modi government of pursuing a “weak-kneed” policy towards China, alleging that its approach had emboldened Beijing’s aggressive posture along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and compromised India’s national interests.
Addressing a press conference here, Congress Media and Publicity Department Chairman Pawan Khera alleged that Prime MinisterModi’s response to the 2020 Galwan clash, in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed, had effectively given China a “clean chit” and encouraged further assertiveness by Beijing.
Citing remarks by ITBP Director General Shatrujit Kapur, Khera claimed that Chinese troops continued to adopt an aggressive approach, with face-offs between Indian and Chinese forces reported at several locations along the Arunachal Pradesh border.
The Congress leader said the government could no longer remain silent on issues concerning national security and questioned what, according to him, prevented the Prime Minister from taking a stronger stand against China.
He alleged that repeated concessions to Beijing had come at the cost of India’s interests.
Khera maintained that despite India’s military strength and the sacrifices made by its armed forces, the government had failed to respond adequately to Chinese actions.
He argued that China’s posture from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh had hardened after the Galwan incident.
Reiterating Congress’s concerns over the situation in eastern Ladakh, Khera referred to reports that Indian troops continue to have restricted access to 26 of the 65 traditional patrolling points and asked whether the pre-May 2020 status quo had been fully restored.
He also questioned what he described as preferential treatment being extended to China in matters related to trade and commerce.
According to Khera, India’s trade deficit with China had increased from $99 billion to $112 billion despite New Delhi accommodating Beijing’s demands.
He further claimed that China had received concessions, including relaxations in travel and visa norms, without offering reciprocal benefits.
Referring to Operation Sindoor, Khera alleged that China had actively supported Pakistan during the operation.
The Congress leader also expressed concern over China’s reported restrictions on exports of critical equipment and materials to India, including Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), rare earth minerals, fertiliser-related inputs, and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), which are vital for infrastructure development and pharmaceutical manufacturing.