It's Time to Acknowledge China's Growth and Shift Our Perspective, Says Sam Pitroda (IANS Exclusive)
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Synopsis
Sam Pitroda, a senior Congress leader, asserts that the perceived threat from China is overstated. He emphasizes the importance of shifting India's mindset towards cooperation, communication, and respect for China's growth, rather than viewing it as an enemy.
Key Takeaways
- Sam Pitroda believes the threat from China is exaggerated.
- He urges a change in India's perspective towards China.
- Pitroda advocates for global collaboration and communication.
- He emphasizes the need to respect China's growth.
- India maintains a bilateral approach in handling disputes.
New Delhi, Feb 17 (NationPress) Veteran Congress leader and close associate of Rahul Gandhi, Sam Pitroda, has articulated that the perceived threat from China is frequently exaggerated, emphasizing the necessity to acknowledge and respect the nation. In an exclusive interview with IANS, Pitroda asserted that it is crucial to shift India's perspective and cease viewing China as an adversary.
He remarked that India's stance has been confrontational since the outset. "Our approach has been one of confrontation from day one, and this mindset fosters hostility, generating certain support within the nation. We must alter this tendency to regard China as an enemy from the start. This applies not only to China but to all nations..."
"I am uncertain about the actual threat posed by China. This matter is frequently exaggerated, particularly as the US tends to label nations as enemies," he stated.
Pitroda advocated for global collaboration, stating, "The time has arrived for all nations to unite, enhance communication, collaborate, operate, and co-create, rather than maintain a command-and-control mentality. China is present... China is advancing... we must recognize and respect that. Every nation will evolve, some at a faster pace than others. Poorer nations must accelerate their growth, while developed countries will see slower progress. Developed nations will also face aging populations, in contrast to developing nations with youthful demographics. We need to consider all these factors collectively."
His comments surfaced amidst intensified discourse surrounding the recent summit between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which addressed India-China border tensions.
During their joint press conference on February 13, Trump expressed a willingness to mediate in the ongoing India-China tensions, indicating the US's readiness to assist in de-escalating the situation.
India promptly rejected Trump's offer to mediate its border disputes with China.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri affirmed that India has consistently adopted a bilateral strategy in addressing its disputes, including those with China. "We have always employed a bilateral approach in dealing with issues with our neighbors, including China. We have been discussing any matters with them on a bilateral level, and we will persist in doing so," he remarked.
