Congress Attacks Modi’s China Policy, Flags $112 Billion Trade Deficit and Border Concerns

Spread love

By TRH Political Desk

Congress leader Pawan Khera questions the government’s China policy, citing restricted access to patrolling points in eastern Ladakh, a widening trade deficit and Chinese restrictions on critical supplies.

New Delhi, October 23, 2026 — The Congress on Friday accused the Narendra Modi government of pursuing a weak policy towards China, alleging that its approach had emboldened Beijing despite continuing border tensions and growing economic dependence.

Addressing a press conference, Pawan Khera, MP and chairman of the Congress’s Media and Publicity Department, accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of giving China a “clean chit” after the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes, in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed.

Citing remarks attributed to Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Director General Shatrujit Kapur, Khera said Chinese and Indian troops continued to face off at several locations along the Arunachal Pradesh border. He questioned why the government had not responded more firmly to what he described as China’s aggressive approach.

Khera also raised concerns over Indian forces’ access to patrolling points in eastern Ladakh. He said 26 of the 65 patrolling points remained inaccessible to Indian soldiers and asked whether the pre-May 2020 status quo had been fully restored.

The Congress leader further questioned the government’s trade policy towards China, claiming that India’s trade deficit with its neighbour had increased from $99 billion to $112 billion despite concessions on trade, travel and visa arrangements.

“What did we get in return?” Khera asked, alleging that China continued to restrict supplies of strategically important goods, including tunnel-boring machines, rare earth minerals, fertilisers and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) used in medicine manufacturing.

He also accused Beijing of supporting Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, arguing that the government’s economic engagement had not produced the expected strategic benefits.

Khera criticised External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar over his comparison between a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Mumbai and former prime minister Indira Gandhi’s meeting with her Pakistani counterpart at Shimla. He also cited Jaishankar’s earlier remarks about the economic asymmetry between India and China to question the government’s willingness to confront Beijing.

In a political attack, Khera accused Modi of prioritising his public image over national interests and mocked the Prime Minister’s repeated criticism of the Congress and Rahul Gandhi.

The allegations reflect the opposition party’s broader criticism of the government’s handling of China. The claims concerning border access, trade concessions and restrictions on critical supplies were made by Khera at the press conference.