Congress Questions Modi Government’s Stance on India-China Relations in Parliament

NEW DELHI: The Congress party has expressed concern over the approach of the Modi government towards India-China relations after a statement by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Parliament.

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh criticized the lack of opportunity for parliamentary debate or clarifications on this sensitive issue and questioned whether the government has accepted a "new normal" in its ties with China since April 2020.

Ramesh urged a thorough discussion in Parliament on the strategic and economic implications of the relationship, considering that India is increasingly economically dependent on China despite the border tensions. He felt that the government had handled the situation poorly, especially considering the brutal clashes in Galwan Valley in June 2020.

The Congress detected four major issues with the present statement of the government. It quoted Prime Minister Modi from his speech after the incident in Galwan Valley. Prime Minister Modi said, "Na koi hamari seema mein ghus aaya hai, na hi koi ghusa hua hai". Ramesh says this statement hurt the stance in the negotiation of India and showed no respect for the sacrifices of soldiers who were dead during the clash.

He further questioned the logic of the Prime Ministerial statement and its implications for the border policy of India.

Jaishankar, in his statement to the Parliament, pointed out the principles with which India would engage with China. He said that engagements with Beijing would depend on the sanctity of the LAC and the respect for the existing border agreements and not an attempt to unilateral change the status quo.

The Minister highlighted efforts at disengagement in eastern Ladakh, such as Depsang and Demchok, and mentioned that these steps lead the way to discussing outstanding issues. Jaishankar added that national security for India remains paramount and said further bilateral engagement would be calibrated.

While acknowledging the sensitive nature of border issues, Congress demanded that the government clearly and transparently present its handling of the relationship with China. Ramesh called on the government to present the parliament with a platform to discuss India-China relations in all their gamut: military as well as economic.

The Congress's criticism reflects its concerns over the government's approach to a critical foreign policy challenge, as India navigates a complex relationship with its northern neighbor.

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