Congress general secretary and in-charge of communication department Jairam Ramesh raised questions regarding the government's handling of border encroachments, China's alleged role in the context of Operation Sindoor and India's growing economic dependence on Beijing after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday.
In a post on social media platform X, Ramesh said that the meeting between Modi and Xi Jinping has ended, but many important questions regarding India's China policy are still unanswered. Ramesh wrote that now that his bilateral meeting with President Xi Jinping is over, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has four questions that India is constantly seeking answers to. Role and dangerous economic dependence on Beijing. Ramesh asked why they weakened our position regarding China's role in border encroachment and Operation Sindoor, while dangerous economic dependence on Beijing is being allowed to grow.
His comments came after the meeting between Modi and Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. The meeting was closely watched in the backdrop of ongoing concerns over the India-China border and efforts to strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries.
Relations between India and China have been strained since the military clash in eastern Ladakh in 2020. Although military withdrawals have taken place in many conflict areas, both countries still maintain substantial military deployments and infrastructure along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
The Congress has repeatedly questioned the government about the border situation and has been demanding more clarification on the alleged Chinese encroachment. On the other hand, the government says that India's territorial integrity and national security are paramount and along with military preparations, diplomatic ties are also being continued.
Ramesh also referred to Operation Sandoor. This military operation was launched by India after the Pahalgam terrorist attack. He questioned the government's stand regarding China's alleged role in the matter. However, he did not elaborate on the specific evidence or actions that formed the basis of the allegation in his post. The Congress leader also focused on the economic aspect of India-China relations and pointed out the country's continued dependence on Chinese goods and industrial raw materials. China is a major trading partner of India and the volume of trade between the two countries reaches several billion dollars. Meanwhile, Indian industries import large quantities from China for electronics, pharmaceutical raw materials, machinery, solar energy equipment and other critical components.
The Modi government has sought to reduce this dependence on China through measures to expand domestic manufacturing, diversify the supply chain and attract investment in strategic sectors. However, the scale of existing trade links and the dependence of many Indian industries on Chinese raw materials and components make any immediate economic disengagement difficult.
The meeting between Modi and Xi Jinping is another step towards the resumption of diplomatic ties after years of strain. Both the countries have in the past emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility along the border as a fundamental requirement for the development of mutual relations.
Congress has argued that diplomatic ties with Beijing, as well as greater transparency on security concerns and a comprehensive strategy to reduce economic vulnerabilities, are essential. On the other hand, the government says that talks, diplomatic contacts and military preparations are going on simultaneously to protect India's national interests.