Jairam Ramesh: Sam Pitroda's China Remarks Not Congress' View

New Delhi, Feb 17 (NationPress) Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh has made it clear that the opinions voiced by Sam Pitroda during an interview with IANS concerning China do not represent the stance of the Congress party.

Pitroda, a notable Congress figure and close associate of Rahul Gandhi, indicated that the perceived threat from China is frequently overstated and stressed the importance of India acknowledging and respecting China.

In a special interview with IANS, Pitroda asserted that India’s strategy toward China should evolve, urging the nation to move past the perception of China as a foe.

Pitroda pointed out that India’s stance has been confrontational from the outset, which he believes cultivates hostility. He proposed that India should take a less aggressive stance, recognizing that not all nations, including China, need to be viewed as adversaries.

In response to Pitroda’s remarks, Jairam Ramesh stated, “China remains our most significant foreign policy, external security, and economic challenge. The Congress Party has consistently criticized the Modi government’s management of China, particularly following the Prime Minister’s public support of China on June 19, 2020.”

He continued, “It is profoundly unfortunate that Parliament has not been allowed to address this issue and develop a unified strategy to confront these challenges.”

Ramesh also referenced his prior comments on X from January 28 this year, where he criticized the Modi government’s decision to normalize relations with China. He highlighted that numerous questions remain unanswered regarding the Disengagement Agreement of October 21, 2024. He also mentioned the Foreign Secretary’s visit to Beijing and the agreement to restore commercial and cultural relations, including direct flights between the two capitals and the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

Ramesh observed that Indian patrols had been able to operate in the area without hindrance until May 2020, and many believe the Government of India should demand a return to the status quo prior to that date.

Additionally, he criticized the Modi government for increasing India’s reliance on China, as Chinese exports to India soared from $70 billion in 2018-19 to a record $102 billion in 2023-24. He expressed concern that this trend may persist into 2024-25.

Ramesh also posed several inquiries in a letter regarding military patrols in critical regions like Depsang and Demchok in Ladakh, urging the government to clarify its stance on these delicate matters.