Indian National Congress intensified its criticism of the Modi government’s foreign policy, particularly its silence on critical bilateral concerns involving China. The opposition party, led by senior figures like Rahul Gandhi and Jairam Ramesh, targeted External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s recent visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting, accusing the government of undermining India’s strategic interests. The Congress has called for a parliamentary debate to address issues such as China’s support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor and its restrictions on critical exports to India, highlighting a perceived lack of transparency and accountability in the government’s approach.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy erupted following Jaishankar’s visit to Beijing on July 15, 2025, where he met Chinese President Xi Jinping and other SCO leaders. The Congress alleges that the government has failed to address China’s growing influence in the region, particularly its strategic support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, a military operation launched by India in May 2025 in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, have accused Jaishankar of “running a full-blown circus aimed at destroying India’s foreign policy,” pointing to his failure to publicly counter China’s actions.
Jairam Ramesh, Congress general secretary, issued a statement questioning the government’s silence on several fronts: China’s provision of real-time intelligence and military support to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, its curtailment of exports like rare-earth magnets and tunnel-boring machines critical for India’s infrastructure, and its backing of Pakistan’s sovereignty claims in Kashmir. Ramesh also referenced a remark by Deputy Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Rahul R. Singh, who noted that India faced “three adversaries” during Operation Sindoor, with China providing “live inputs” to Pakistan.
Congress’s Demands and Critique
The Congress has demanded a detailed parliamentary debate on India-China relations, a call it has reiterated since 2020. Ramesh emphasized, “When are the External Affairs Minister and his boss, the Prime Minister, going to take the people of India into confidence and hold a detailed debate on China in Parliament?” The party hopes Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address these concerns in the upcoming Monsoon session of Parliament, breaking what they describe as a “five-year drought” of silence on critical foreign policy issues.
Congress social media head Supriya Shrinate escalated the criticism, questioning the government’s priorities. She highlighted the irony of Jaishankar engaging with China, a country that “openly backed Pakistan during Operation Sindoor,” while no arrests have been made in connection with the Pahalgam terror attack. Shrinate argued that the government’s silence undermines India’s national security and global image, especially as it faces scrutiny from international partners.
Broader Context of India-China Relations
India-China relations have been strained since the 2020 Galwan clash, which resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers. Tensions persist over border disputes in Ladakh and Aksai Chin, with China reinforcing its military presence along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). India remains wary of China’s strategic ties with Pakistan, particularly through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which runs through Pakistan-administered Kashmir, a region India claims. China’s recent restrictions on exports of essential materials like rare-earth magnets and specialty fertilizers have further strained economic ties, impacting India’s infrastructure and agriculture sectors.
The Congress has framed these developments as evidence of the Modi government’s diplomatic failures. The party points to India’s abstention from a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation statement condemning Israeli strikes on Iran as another example of its reluctance to take principled stands on global issues, potentially isolating India diplomatically.
Political and Public Reaction
The Congress’s criticism has resonated on social media, with X users amplifying the party’s call for transparency. Posts like those from @maqbool_sm on July 16, 2025, reflect public frustration, with hashtags like #IndiaChinaDebate trending. One user wrote, “Why is Modi silent when China supports Pakistan against us? Congress is right to demand answers!” However, supporters of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have dismissed the criticism as political opportunism, arguing that the government’s restrained approach avoids escalating tensions with China.
Opposition parties, including the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Rashtriya Janata Dal, have echoed Congress’s demand for a special parliamentary session to clarify India’s stance on bilateral issues, particularly in light of China’s actions and U.S. President Donald Trump’s claims of mediating the India-Pakistan ceasefire.
Implications for India’s Foreign Policy
The Congress’s accusations highlight several implications:
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National Security: China’s support for Pakistan, including advanced weaponry like J-10C fighters and PL-15E missiles, poses a strategic challenge for India, especially in Kashmir. The government’s silence risks undermining public confidence in its security strategy.
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Economic Impact: China’s export restrictions could delay India’s infrastructure projects, such as metro expansions and highway development, increasing costs and affecting economic growth.
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Diplomatic Standing: India’s reluctance to address these concerns publicly may weaken its position in forums like the SCO and Quad, where it seeks to counter China’s influence.
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Domestic Politics: The Congress’s aggressive stance could galvanize opposition unity ahead of key state elections, putting pressure on the BJP to respond.
Path Forward
To address these concerns, the Congress and analysts suggest:
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Parliamentary Debate: Convene a special session to discuss India-China relations, ensuring transparency and public involvement in foreign policy decisions.
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Strengthened Diplomacy: Issue clear statements rebutting China’s actions and reinforcing India’s bilateral stance on Kashmir and other disputes.
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Economic Diversification: Reduce dependence on Chinese exports by investing in domestic production of critical materials like rare-earth magnets.
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Public Engagement: Use platforms like X to communicate the government’s strategy, countering opposition narratives and building public trust.
The Congress party’s criticism of the Modi government’s silence on bilateral concerns with China, voiced on July 17, 2025, underscores a critical juncture in India’s foreign policy. With tensions rising over China’s support for Pakistan and economic restrictions, the opposition’s call for a parliamentary debate reflects growing public and political unease. As India navigates complex regional dynamics, the government’s response—or lack thereof—will shape its credibility at home and abroad. Transparency and decisive action are essential to address these bilateral challenges and maintain India’s strategic autonomy.
