New Delhi, April 3: Leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi on Thursday sharply criticized the Union Government's foreign policy, highlighting China's occupation of Indian territory and the recent US tariff hike as key concerns.
Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Gandhi claimed that China has occupied 4,000 kilometers of Indian land, pointing to the ongoing territorial dispute between the two countries. He also criticized the recent visit of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to China to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, particularly the act of cutting a cake with Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong.
"It's a known fact that China has occupied 4,000 kilometers of our territory," Gandhi stated.
"I was shocked to see our Foreign Secretary cutting a cake with the Chinese Ambassador. China has taken over 4,000 km of our land, 20 soldiers were martyred, and we are cutting a cake with them."
He questioned the government's handling of the territorial issue and stressed the importance of restoring the status quo. "We are not against normalcy, but before that, we need to restore the status quo and get our land back," he added.
Gandhi also raised concerns over the lack of communication between the ruling NDA government and the opposition. "It has come to my notice that the Prime Minister and the President have written to China, but it's the Chinese Ambassador informing us about this, not our own people," he said.
Turning to the recent US decision to impose a 26% tariff, Gandhi warned that it would severely impact India's economy. "Our ally has suddenly imposed a 26% tariff, which will devastate our economy. Our auto industry, pharmaceutical industry, and agriculture are all at risk," he stated.
Contrasting Congress's approach to foreign policy with that of the BJP and RSS, Gandhi recalled a comment by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who when asked about her foreign policy stance, replied, "I am an Indian, and I stand straight." Gandhi contrasted this with the BJP and RSS, claiming, "When asked whether they lean left or right, they say they bow their heads to every foreigner that comes. This is part of their culture and history."
He concluded by pressing the government for answers, questioning, "What are you doing about our land, and what will you do about the tariff our ally has imposed on us?"
(With agency inputs)
