Did EAM Jaishankar Just Call Opposition ‘China Gurus’ in RS?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- EAM Jaishankar criticized the Opposition's concerns about the China-Pakistan alliance.
- Historical negligence toward national security was highlighted.
- Focus on strengthening foreign relations through mutual respect and trust.
- Criticism directed at past governments for ignoring strategic threats.
- Importance of vigilance against external threats emphasized.
New Delhi, July 30 (NationPress) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Wednesday took a shot at the Opposition for their concerns regarding the China-Pakistan alliance, especially amid the recent military confrontation during Operation Sindoor, which poses a significant threat to India’s national security.
During the debate on Operation Sindoor in the Rajya Sabha, Jaishankar targeted Opposition members by asserting that certain ‘China gurus’ are instructing the government while having previously overlooked the Chinese threat on multiple occasions.
His remarks followed Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s warnings about the evolving China-Pakistan relationship and the urgent need for the government to acknowledge 21st-century threats.
Without naming anyone, Jaishankar remarked, “There are China gurus across the aisle who ridicule my understanding of global affairs, despite my extensive experience as an ambassador,” which drew applause from the ruling party members.
He referenced historical events to illustrate how Pakistan and China have collaborated against India, criticizing the previous Congress administration for its lax attitude toward national security.
“Today, while some China experts assert that the China-Pakistan partnership is a severe danger, the roots of this issue trace back to the handover of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and various strategic agreements, like the 2005 Pakistan-China friendship treaty and the Gwadar airport deal in 2013,” he noted.
He further accused the Congress-led government of neglecting the strategic implications of Hambantota Port, which they deemed ‘not a concern’ despite its potential threat to India’s maritime security.
In response to P. Chidambaram's inquiry about his recent visit to China, Jaishankar quipped that, “unlike others, I didn’t have any secret discussions.”
“Our discussions focused on terrorism, de-escalation, and building relationships founded on mutual respect, trust, and sensitivity,” he stated, emphasizing the Modi government’s robust foreign policy stance.
He also expressed gratitude to Parliament members, including Shashi Tharoor and Kanimozhi, who united during India’s diplomatic efforts post-operation, highlighting Pakistan’s blatant involvement in global terrorism.