New Delhi, September 13 (Daily Kiran) : The Congress party has raised questions regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s recent meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. On Sunday, Congress criticized the government’s approach to bilateral relations with China, emphasizing a disconnect between rhetoric and action concerning the neighboring Asian nation.
Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh issued a press statement questioning Prime Minister Modi’s past remarks on border skirmishes with China. He claimed that India has ceded traditional patrolling and grazing rights in certain areas of Eastern Ladakh to China.
Ramesh highlighted the implications of Modi’s statement from June 19, 2020, asserting that “no one has intruded” into Indian territory, suggesting that this has weakened India’s negotiating position following the clashes in the Galwan Valley.
He expressed concerns over China’s alleged territorial expansion in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. Ramesh cited reports of Chinese encroachment in Arunachal Pradesh, which includes the loss of access to Indian patrol points and new standoffs. He noted that China’s stance on Arunachal Pradesh has hardened, with actions such as renaming towns it refers to as “South Tibet,” asserting claims, and advancing the 60,000-megawatt Medog mega-dam project on the Brahmaputra River, which could significantly impact water security in India’s northeastern region.
These remarks from Ramesh came a day after Modi conveyed to the Chinese President that maintaining peace and stability along the border is crucial for fostering better relations between the two countries.
Moreover, Ramesh questioned the Modi government’s perceived leniency towards China’s alleged support for Pakistan during “Operation Sindoor.” He asked whether this shift in stance was part of a strategy to alter the atmosphere ahead of hosting the Chinese President.
He recalled that on July 4, 2025, Army Vice Chief Lieutenant General Rahul Singh publicly acknowledged China’s significant role in assisting Pakistan during the operation. However, Ramesh noted a contrasting position taken by former Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan during a lecture at the Vivekananda International Foundation on August 25, 2026.
Additionally, Ramesh criticized the government for the growing trade deficit with China, which he stated reached a record $112.6 billion in 2025-26. He pointed out the detrimental impact on Indian industries, particularly among MSMEs, and warned that dependency on China for essential raw materials and manufacturing components had reached dangerous levels. Ramesh called for the government to outline a roadmap to rectify this unacceptable situation.
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