New Delhi: The Congress party has distanced itself from controversial remarks made by its leader, Sam Pitroda, who claimed that China was not India’s enemy, drawing sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
In response, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh clarified on social media that Pitroda’s views on China “are certainly not the views of the Indian National Congress.” He further criticized the BJP, pointing out Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s past visits to China and suggesting that the ruling government held a stance different from Congress on the issue.
Ramesh added, “China remains our biggest foreign policy, external security, and economic challenge. The Congress Party has repeatedly questioned the Modi government’s approach, including the clean chit given to China by the Prime Minister on June 19, 2020. Our most recent statement on China was issued on January 28, 2025.” He also lamented that Parliament had not been given an opportunity to discuss the issue.
Pitroda, the chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, sparked controversy in an interview, stating, “I don’t understand the threat from China… I think this issue is often blown out of proportion.” He suggested that the global narrative against China was influenced by the U.S. and emphasized the need for collaboration rather than confrontation with China.
The remarks come amid ongoing tensions between India and China, particularly after the violent Galwan Valley clash in 2020, where Indian and Chinese troops clashed over a disputed area, resulting in fatalities. However, both countries reached a disengagement agreement last year, easing border tensions.
Notably, the conflict over the border dates back decades, with the most significant confrontation occurring in 1962, when China attacked Indian border posts in Ladakh, resulting in India losing Aksai Chin to China.
