New Delhi: In its first rejoinder since India and China decided the demilitarize the Eastern Ladakh border after four years of stand-off, the Congress accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of having mishandled the dispute. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh attributed the current border tensions to what he referred to as Modi ‘s foolishness and naivety in handling China and asked six crucial questions of the government before the BRICS Summit meeting between PM Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping is held.
Congress Unhappy with Modi’s Policies with China
Ramesh was able to list down the previous engagements of Modi with China such as official visits and meetings with the President Xi Jinping and painted the PM’s approach as misjudged. He recalled the monumental statement made in June 2020 where Modi said, “Nobody has intruded into our territory” in spite of Galwan Valley clash that claimed the lives of 20 Indian soldiers. Ramesh said this statement was a betrayal to the martyrs and maligned the Prime Minister for providing a clean bow to China and letting the situation at the LAC aggravate.
However, the management of relation with China can be described as more naive at the very least on the part of the Prime Minister. His government’s approach to the LAC crisis has been one of denial, distraction, lies and justification,” said Ramesh.
Congress’ Six Critical Questions for Modi
In a detailed statement, the Congress leader raised six important questions that he demanded the government address regarding the India-China border agreement:
Can Indian soldiers continue patrol at five points including Bottleneck junction of Depsang just as it was being done before?
Is it possible for Indian troops to get to the three patrolling points in Demchok that have remained off bound for more than four years?
Instead of our soldiers are presently confined to Finger 3 in Pangong Tso, earlier, were they not guarding up to Finger 8?
Are Indian patrols still denied access in reaching the three patrolling points of the disputed Gogra-Hot Springs area?
Will the indented local herders be allowed to Tran Himalayan pastures located at Helmet Top, Mukpa Re, Rejang La, Rinchen La, Table Top and such other places?
Are the ‘buffer zones’ given over to China including the war memorial at Rejang La dedicated to Major Shaitan Singh?
The Degree of Indian Economic Relation with China
He also pointed out that more tensions have not reduced import dependence on China as India’s imports from China have risen. He said that exports from China to India was $70 billion in 2018-19 which increased to a historic level of $101 billion in the financial year 2023-24, he stated that Indian exports to China are $16 billion only. This, according to Ramesh, has continued to make India’s position weaker especially when negotiating with China.
Again, the two failed to debate in the parliament
The Congress leader also faulted the government for the lack of any serious debate in the Parliament over border concerns with China. “For over four years parliament has been deprived the chance and time to assert our joint position on this fundamental national question,” Ramesh said.
Leaving the Congress party with questions that overshadow the government’s preparation for the BRICS summit India looks forward to. It remains to be seen whether such concerns will be pursued to be addressed but the opposition is not relenting on putting pressure on the Modi administration on its foreign policy call.