China Policy: Opposition Criticizes PM’s Weak Stance

New Delhi: The Congress party launched a blistering attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, condemning his “ineffective and lackluster” approach towards China’s persistent border incursions. They demanded a public apology from him to the 140 crore Indian citizens for his June 2020 assertion denying any unauthorized entry into Indian territory or occupation of any strategic positions.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh, in his commentary on X, declared the Prime Minister’s dialogue with Newsweek magazine demonstrated his “timid and hesitant” stance. He criticized Modi’s only statement regarding China’s consistent transgressions of Indian sovereignty as an inadequate appeal for urgent rectification of the “irregularities” in bilateral relations.

“The Prime Minister could have sent a formidable message to China. However, his lackluster and ineffective reaction may embolden China’s territorial aspirations,” Ramesh stated. “The Prime Minister’s handling of the China matter is not just disappointing but also dishonors the memory of our fallen heroes who bravely defended our borders.”

Ramesh continued, “The Prime Minister owes an apology to the 140 crore Indians for misleading them on national television on June 19th, 2020, with his statement ‘Na Koi Ghusa Hai, Na Hi Koi Ghus Aaya hai’ while leaving the nation uninformed about his shortcomings in securing our borders against China.”

Prime Minister Modi’s interview with Newsweek magazine, which characterized India’s ascent as “unrelenting,” emphasized the importance of stable, peaceful ties between India and China for regional and global harmony. He expressed hope that productive, diplomatic, and military dialogues would facilitate a return to peace and stability along their shared borders.

The New York-based publication noted India’s “soaring economic development and growing influence in diplomacy, science, and military prowess,” signaling its emergence as a significant superpower with increasing relevance to the United States and the global stage.

The magazine’s comprehensive interview titled “Narendra Modi and the Unstoppable Rise of India” covered a wide array of topics, including the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, relations with Pakistan, Quad, the Ram temple, and India’s democratic landscape, among other subjects.

During the discussion, a rare engagement with a U.S. publication in recent memory, Modi emphasized the vital nature of the India-China relationship. He acknowledged the necessity of addressing the protracted border situation promptly to eliminate the “anomalies” hindering bilateral connections.

“I am hopeful that, through positive and constructive bilateral interactions on diplomatic and military fronts, we can reestablish and maintain peace and harmony along our borders,” Modi asserted.