New Delhi: Sam Pitroda, Chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, has stirred controversy with his recent comments suggesting that China should not automatically be regarded as India’s enemy, despite the history of border conflicts between the two nations.
In an interview with IANS, Pitroda questioned the perception of China as a threat, saying, “I don’t understand the threat from China… the issue is often exaggerated, and the US tends to define an enemy. Nations should focus on collaboration rather than confrontation.” He criticized India’s aggressive stance towards China, advocating for a shift in mindset and urging that China should not be labelled as an enemy from the outset.
Pitroda’s remarks quickly drew criticism from BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari, who accused him of prioritizing China’s interests over India’s. “Congress has consistently favoured China and Pakistan, undermining India’s national interests,” Bhandari said, calling Pitroda’s comments a betrayal.
The remarks come amid ongoing tensions between India and China, particularly after the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, where the two countries’ troops engaged in violent hand-to-hand combat over a border dispute. Though tensions eased after a disengagement agreement, the border conflict remains unresolved.
The two nations have a long-standing history of border disputes, the most notable being the 1962 Sino-Indian war, which resulted in India losing Aksai Chin to China.
