Kharge Questions Centre Over China Policy, Urges PM Modi to Address Nation on Border Security

New Delhi: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has criticised the Centre's approach towards China, raising questions over border security, economic dependence on Beijing and the outcomes of diplomatic engagements between the two countries. He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address Parliament and the nation on these issues.

In a post on X, Kharge said the government had given China repeated assurances without providing sufficient clarity on key national security concerns. He raised three major questions concerning continued reported face-offs between Indian and Chinese troops, the widening trade deficit and the results of bilateral diplomatic discussions.

Kharge Raises Concerns Over Border Security

Questioning the situation along the India-China border, Kharge referred to reported remarks by the Director General of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) regarding continuing face-offs with the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in Arunachal Pradesh.

The Congress president also cited reports of Chinese incursions near Taksing in August and questioned whether India's patrolling access had been affected despite military-level discussions between the two countries.

Referring to the Doklam and Galwan incidents, Kharge asked whether another serious confrontation was developing and why the government had not provided greater clarity on the situation.

He reiterated that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India and called for transparency on matters concerning national security.

Trade Deficit and Chinese Investment Under Scrutiny

Kharge also questioned the government's economic policy towards China, citing figures that he said showed a significant increase in Chinese imports and India's trade deficit since the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, in which 20 Indian Army personnel were killed.

According to Kharge, Chinese imports increased by 102% during the period he cited, while India's trade deficit with China rose by 155% to $112.16 billion.

He referred to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's remarks concerning obstacles faced by Indian exports to China and questioned the reported easing of restrictions on Chinese investments and the consideration of production-linked incentive (PLI) benefits for eligible China-linked ventures.

Kharge asked whether these developments were consistent with the government's Make in India initiative, arguing that India's economic interests required greater attention.

Congress Questions Outcomes of Diplomatic Engagements

The Congress chief further questioned the results of repeated diplomatic engagements between Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Citing reported meetings between the two leaders, rounds of Special Representatives' talks involving National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, meetings of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC), and discussions at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and BRICS summits, Kharge sought clarity on the progress achieved.

He specifically asked whether India's patrolling rights in areas accessed before May 2020 had been fully restored.

While expressing confidence in the Indian Armed Forces, Kharge said national security required accountability and concrete outcomes rather than diplomatic appearances. He called on the Prime Minister to take Parliament and the public into confidence.

Pawan Khera Also Targets Centre Over China Policy

Earlier, Congress leader Pawan Khera accused the Centre of compromising India's interests in its dealings with China. Addressing a press conference at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) office in New Delhi, he questioned the government's handling of border tensions, trade relations, visa restrictions and the entry of Chinese workers into India.

Khera asked whether Indian forces could patrol the locations they accessed before April 2020 and what India had gained from its diplomatic and economic engagement with Beijing.

He also criticised the increase in India's trade deficit with China, citing a rise from $99 billion to $112 billion, and questioned changes to restrictions affecting Chinese investments and workers.

Khera Questions Government's Claims on Border Situation

The Congress leader also raised concerns over reports of Chinese incursions in Arunachal Pradesh, challenging the government's position that the situation was normal.

Referring to appeals reportedly made by local residents on social media, Khera questioned whether the concerns of people living in border areas were being adequately addressed. He also asked whether the families of soldiers killed in the Galwan clash were receiving sufficient attention.

Additionally, Khera alleged that China had prevented a German company from sending tunnel boring machines to India, resulting in losses for the country. These claims were raised as part of his broader criticism of the government's approach towards Beijing.

Khera further accused the Centre of failing to adequately safeguard India's interests in its dealings with China and the United States.

Jairam Ramesh Raises Similar Concerns

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh also criticised the Centre over its China policy, alleging that the government had made concessions to Beijing while failing to provide adequate clarity on border tensions. He also raised concerns over reported losses of Indian patrolling access in Arunachal Pradesh.

The Congress leaders' remarks have placed renewed focus on India's border security, trade relations with China and the outcomes of diplomatic engagement between the two countries. The questions raised by the Opposition centre on transparency, economic interests and the restoration of patrolling access along the border.

(StoryVilla)