Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge launched a scathing attack on the Narendra Modi-led BJP government over its handling of relations with China, alleging that despite repeated border provocations and aggressive trade practices, the Centre has failed to protect India’s security and economic interests.
Kharge Accuses Modi Government Of Weakness On China
Speaking at a press conference at the AICC headquarters on Wednesday, Kharge stated:
“This government talks of nationalism but surrenders before China on every issue. Our brave soldiers sacrifice their lives on the borders, but the Prime Minister remains silent on Chinese incursions. On the economic front too, India continues to import heavily from China, damaging our industries.”
The Context: Border Tensions Continue
Kharge’s remarks come amid reports of fresh Chinese military infrastructure build-up in Eastern Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh, even as the disengagement process remains incomplete since the Galwan Valley clashes of 2020.
Recent satellite images cited by defence analysts indicate:
- Expansion of PLA troop shelters and helipads near Depsang and Demchok.
- New bridges across Pangong Tso, enhancing rapid mobilisation.
- Enhanced electronic surveillance posts along the Arunachal border.
Congress Questions Rising Imports From China
Kharge also highlighted the growing trade deficit between India and China, despite “vocal for local” campaigns:
| Fiscal Year | India’s Imports from China ($ billion) | Trade Deficit ($ billion) |
|---|---|---|
| 2019-20 | 65 | 47 |
| 2020-21 | 65 | 45 |
| 2021-22 | 77 | 72 |
| 2022-23 | 88 | 76 |
| 2023-24 | 101 | 82 |
He said:
“Despite border clashes and loss of soldiers, Modi government’s economic policy is feeding China’s factories. Our MSMEs are closing while Chinese companies profit.”
Congress Demands Five Key Actions
- Complete disclosure of LAC situation and Chinese military activities to Parliament.
- Ban on Chinese firms in sensitive sectors including telecom, drones, and AI surveillance.
- Incentivising Indian manufacturers to replace Chinese imports in mobile, pharma APIs, and electronics.
- Strengthening defence deployment with permanent infrastructure in border villages.
- Reviving diplomatic dialogues on equal terms, not under pressure.
Government’s Stand On China
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently stated in Parliament that:
- Disengagement has been achieved in five friction areas but two remain unresolved.
- India maintains firm border defence posture while pursuing diplomatic talks.
- On trade, import dependency is reducing in strategic sectors, with PLI schemes boosting local manufacturing.
Deputy Foreign Minister Meenakshi Lekhi also said:
“Congress should introspect its own record. Under UPA, India conceded ground to China diplomatically. Under PM Modi, India has stood firm, whether in Doklam or Galwan.”
Defence Experts Analyse The Reality
| Expert | Observation |
|---|---|
| Lt Gen Rakesh Sharma (retd) | PLA has improved tactical infrastructure in Ladakh, but Indian Army has matched deployments. Political assertiveness, however, is vital to sustain morale. |
| Brahma Chellaney, Strategic analyst | The trade deficit with China remains India’s economic Achilles heel. Without targeted import substitution policies, dependence will continue. |
| Ajai Shukla, Defence columnist | Public rhetoric by government does not match ground realities. Congress is raising valid concerns on both border security and economic dependency. |
Political Reactions
BJP leaders dismissed Kharge’s remarks as:
- “Irresponsible statements weakening India’s position internationally.”
- “An attempt to divert attention from Congress’s own failures on national security.”
BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said:
“Rahul Gandhi and Kharge speak China’s language by spreading fear. India under PM Modi has built border roads, advanced weapons, and diplomatic leverage never seen during Congress regimes.”
Congress’s Strategic Campaign
Insiders reveal Kharge’s speech is part of a planned monsoon session strategy, focusing on:
- China border security lapses
- Rising inflation and unemployment
- Alleged misuse of probe agencies against opposition
- Agitation for MSP guarantee law
A senior Congress MP said:
“We will raise China daily in Parliament to force the government to come clean on the LAC situation.”
India-China Economic Dependency: Sector-Wise Breakdown
| Sector | % Import Dependency On China (2024) | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile phone components | 60% | Hurts domestic assembly value addition |
| Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) | 68% | Risk to generic pharma security |
| Solar panels & modules | 78% | Weakens Atmanirbhar Bharat push |
| Electronics (chips & circuits) | 55% | Hampers Make-in-India goals |
| Heavy machinery & chemicals | 43% | Adds to trade deficit |
Will Kharge’s Attack Resonate?
Political analysts are divided:
- Prof. Sandeep Shastri, political scientist:
“National security issues usually favour the ruling party unless there is a direct provable failure. Congress’s focus on trade deficit with China may resonate more than border issues.” - Ruchi Gupta, policy analyst:
“Congress must supplement criticism with alternative policies, not just attacks.”
China Factor In Upcoming State Elections
Opposition strategists believe raising China issues will:
- Erode BJP’s strong nationalism plank, especially among ex-servicemen voters in Haryana, Rajasthan, and Himachal.
- Shift media focus from intra-alliance rifts within INDIA bloc to national security debates where Congress sees opportunity.
Conclusion
Mallikarjun Kharge’s strong critique of the Modi government over its China policy has sharpened Congress’s positioning as a party prioritising national security and economic sovereignty. Whether these attacks translate into electoral gains will depend on their ability to convince voters that India’s trade and border policies under BJP have compromised national interest, a narrative the ruling party is determined to resist ahead of upcoming state and municipal elections.
Disclaimer: This article is based on political statements, economic data, and expert analyses. Readers are encouraged to track official defence ministry and commerce ministry reports for factual updates on India-China relations.
