New Delhi, September 12 (Daily Kiran) : Udit Raj, a Congress leader, responded to Chinese President Xi Jinping’s upcoming visit to India, highlighting the recent acceleration in India-China air connectivity and speculations surrounding Congress leader Harish Rawat‘s resignation. He stressed that mere meetings and statements are insufficient for improving relations between the two nations. Instead, genuine dialogue on critical issues related to borders and trade is essential.
Ahead of Xi’s visit, Raj noted the importance of addressing differences appropriately. He described the need for open discussions on contentious issues, specifically mentioning border disputes in Aksai Chin, Ladakh, and Arunachal Pradesh. He questioned how real progress could be achieved if these topics remain unaddressed, urging the government to prioritize these discussions.
Raj also critiqued Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy and his focus on personal image over substantive engagement with experts. He pointed out that India’s dependence on China continues to grow, leading to a significant trade deficit. He urged India to adopt a stronger negotiating stance in dealings with China, emphasizing the necessity of prioritizing national interests.
He recalled that during Xi’s previous visit to India, discussions on major investments and business agreements occurred, yet the anticipated benefits for India did not materialize. Raj argued that if China is reaping economic gains from its relationship with India, the government must clarify its strategy moving forward.
Regarding the recent increase in air connectivity between India and China, Raj expressed that there should be no hesitation in fully restoring flights. Previous disruptions had affected air travel, and timely connections are crucial given the high level of trade dependency between the two countries. He noted that the lack of raw materials from China could impact various manufacturing sectors in India.
Raj mentioned that several items related to festivals, worship, and decoration are imported from China. He questioned the government’s claims of being a global leader, pointing out the discrepancy between these assertions and the actual situation.
On the speculation surrounding Harish Rawat’s resignation, Raj expressed his disagreement with such a move. He stated that Rawat has not been in power for a long time, and if there are any investigations regarding his tenure or decisions, they should be conducted fairly. He argued that individual misconduct should not implicate the entire Congress party.
Raj urged Rawat to refrain from actions that could unnecessarily damage the party or his own reputation. He asserted that if there are suspicions of disproportionate assets, those should be investigated legally, but the entire party should not be held accountable for one person’s alleged misdeeds.
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