Congress Slams Modi Government Over Softened Stance On China

The Congress party launched a sharp attack on the Centre on Sunday after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a bilateral meeting in Tianjin.

The opposition asked whether the ‘new normal’ in India’s security doctrine would now be defined by Chinese aggression and the government’s spinelessness.

Congress accused the Modi government of pushing towards reconciliation with China. It asked whether this approach meant de facto legitimising Chinese territorial aggression.

The criticism came soon after PM Modi and Xi Jinping pledged to build stable ties for mutual economic progress.

The two leaders also agreed to promote people-to-people exchanges during their meeting in Tianjin.

Congress Recalls Galwan Valley Sacrifices

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh said the meeting must be viewed in the context of the Galwan Valley clash. He reminded that 20 Indian soldiers sacrificed their lives during the Chinese aggression in June 2020.

Ramesh alleged that Prime Minister Modi gave a clean chit to China on 19 June 2020. He posted on X with an old video of PM Modi, questioning the government’s intent.

The Congress communications in charge further said the Army Chief demanded a full restoration of the status quo in Ladakh. He claimed the Modi government failed to achieve this but still moved forward on reconciliation with China, which legitimised territorial aggression.

Army Concerns And Economic Issues Raised

Ramesh cited the remarks of Deputy Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen Rahul Singh on Operation Sindoor. He said Singh highlighted China’s alliance with Pakistan.

Instead of responding, the Modi government accepted it as a fait accompli and rewarded China with state visits. He further alleged uncontrolled dumping of Chinese products in India, which he said was destroying MSMEs.

Despite this, the government allowed Chinese firms a free hand instead of imposing restrictions.

The Congress leader also questioned the Centre’s silence on China’s gigantic hydel project on the Yarlung Tsangpo. He said the project has grave implications for India’s Northeast, yet the Modi government has not spoken on the issue.

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