The Congress party has strongly criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his recent bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, amid ongoing border tensions and China’s hostile actions against India.

Congress accused Modi of failing to stand up to China despite provocations such as the deadly 2020 Galwan Valley clash, in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed.

The party mocked Modi for greeting Xi warmly with a handshake, describing it as an inadequate response given China’s aggression and its alleged support to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh condemned the Modi government's approach as "spineless," highlighting claims that India has quietly accepted China's alliance with Pakistan and that unresolved issues like China’s hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo river and the uncontrolled dumping of Chinese imports continue to harm Indian interests, including MSMEs.

Rahul Gandhi repeatedly accused Modi of being scared to confront China and of silently normalising relations without demanding justice for territory lost or aggressive Chinese actions, which Congress labels the worst setback since the 1962 war.

Gandhi also criticised the government for silence over China’s capture of around 2,000 square kilometres of Indian land and for failing to protect Indian soldiers and territory effectively. Congress pointed to the Modi government’s emphasis on improving ties as disregarding the damaging consequences of Chinese hostility.

In contrast, PM Modi stated during the bilateral talks with Xi Jinping that India is committed to advancing relations based on mutual respect, trust, and sensitivity.

Modi highlighted that after the disengagement at the border, a climate of peace and stability has been established. Xi Jinping called India a "vital friend" and urged a long-term, strategic perspective on their relationship, emphasising that border disputes should not define India-China relations.

This diplomatic engagement comes just days after the US imposed tariffs on Indian goods, pressuring New Delhi amid a global geopolitical environment. Modi’s visit to China, his first in seven years, is seen as part of broader engagement with the Global South alongside leaders like Russian President Vladimir Putin, projecting unity against external economic challenges.

The Congress critique underscores the political opposition’s concern that Modi’s policy of reconciliation may legitimise Chinese territorial aggression and jeopardise India’s strategic and economic interests, while the government advocates for peaceful dialogue and cooperation with an emphasis on regional stability and global partnerships.

The heated debate highlights the tension between maintaining diplomatic engagement and addressing patriotic demands for firm action against border disputes and economic pressures linked to China.

Based On India Today Report