Congress questions PM Modi's stance on India-China dispute during interview
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent comments regarding the India-China border dispute. In an interview with Newsweek, PM Modi emphasized the necessity of peaceful and stable relations between the two nations. Ramesh described the prime minister's approach as disgraceful and disrespectful to Indian soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for the country. He said PM Modi's "ineffective and weak response is likely to encourage China further to stake its claim on Indian land."
Why does this story matter?
India-China ties deteriorated drastically following skirmishes in the high-altitude Galwan Valley in Ladakh in 2020. The clash cost the lives of up to 20 Indian soldiers, while China sustained an unknown number of casualties, prompting high-level military and diplomatic talks. The Congress leader was commenting on this row. According to Ramesh, PM Modi could have sent a strong message to China during the interview.
Veteran Congress leader rebukes PM Modi's remarks
"The Prime Minister crossed all limits of cowardice. China is repeatedly violating India's sovereignty but the Prime Minister's only comment on this was that the long-standing situation on our border needs to be resolved immediately so that the "aberration" in bilateral talks can be left behind," he wrote on X. "The Prime Minister's reaction on the China issue is not only shameful but also an insult to our martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice while protecting our borders," Ramesh added.
What did PM Modi say
Additionally, Ramesh called for an apology from PM Modi for a statement he made on national television on June 19, 2020, "Na Koi Ghusa Hai, Na Hi Koi Ghus Aaya hai." In the interview with the magazine, PM Modi said that India needs to urgently address the situation on the borders so that the abnormality in bilateral interactions can be put behind us. "Stable and peaceful relations...are important not just for...two countries but the entire region and world," he said.
China said it has taken note of the PM's remarks
Meanwhile, China said it has taken note of PM Modi's remarks. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told the media that the boundary issue "does not represent the entirety of India-China relations" and should be "appropriately placed in bilateral relations and managed properly." She stated that the two sides are in close communication through diplomatic and military channels, saying, "We hope India will work in the same direction with China."
