The Congress on Friday launched a fresh attack on the Narendra Modi government over its China policy, accusing the Centre of pursuing a strategy of “capitulation” despite rising strategic and economic challenges, and claiming that India’s record trade deficit with Beijing and continuing border tensions exposed shortcomings in the government’s approach.
In a statement, Congress general secretary in charge of communications Jairam Ramesh alleged that the government’s handling of relations with China had undermined both India’s security and economic interests.
“The Modi Govt’s calibrated capitulation to China continues even as India’s trade deficit with that country reaches record levels destroying large sections of our industry specially MSMEs,” Ramesh said.
He alleged that China has continued what he described as provocative actions along the border while undertaking projects that could adversely affect India’s security and water resources.
“China’s provocative actions in relation to Arunachal Pradesh are unabated. The world’s largest hydroelectric project in Medog continues, imperilling India’s water security in relation to the Brahmaputra. India’s traditional patrolling and herding rights in many places in Eastern Ladakh have been given up,” he claimed.
Ramesh also renewed the Opposition’s criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash in eastern Ladakh, in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed.
“The Prime Minister infamously gave a public chit to China on June 19, 2020 even after twenty of our brave armed forces personnel were martyred in Ladakh,” he said.
Referring to Operation Sindoor, Ramesh further alleged that China’s support to Pakistan had been acknowledged by senior military leadership.
“China’s pivotal role in Pakistan’s actions during Operation Sindoor were acknowledged by the Deputy Chief of Army Staff and are documented,” he said, adding, “And yet the capitulation to China continues apace.”
The Congress has repeatedly questioned the government’s handling of relations with China since the military standoff in eastern Ladakh began in 2020, arguing that the Centre has failed to adequately address border security and economic concerns while bilateral trade with China has continued to grow.
The Centre, however, has consistently rejected such allegations, maintaining that it remains firmly committed to safeguarding India’s territorial integrity, strengthening border infrastructure and pursuing sustained diplomatic and military engagement to maintain peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control.
The government has also said it is taking steps to reduce strategic dependence on imports and boost domestic manufacturing.
