Rahul Gandhi Supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Foreign Policy on Pakistan but Criticizes China Approach–Dzire News
Rahul Gandhi Supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Foreign Policy on Pakistan but Criticizes China Approach–Dzire News
Dzire News New Delhi–In his recent visit to the United States, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi discussed India’s foreign policy and highlighted important points of agreement and disagreement with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s approach. During his four-day trip, he expressed support for Modi’s policies regarding Pakistan but was critical of the government’s handling of the China issue.
Rahul Gandhi discussed a wide range of topics Tuesday when interacting with students and the Indian diaspora while on a visit to the United States. He talked about anything from “not hating Modi” to taking on the challenge of winning the Lok Sabha elections.“You will be surprised, but I don’t actually hate Mr. Modi,he has got a point of view, fine, I don’t agree with his point of view but I don’t hate him,” he said.“He (Modi) has a different point of view, I have a different point of view. I have empathy and compassion for what he is doing,” he added.
While addressing a press conference at the National Press Club in Washington, Rahul Gandhi highlighted his continuity with the Modi government on Pakistan, primarily focusing on terrorism. He stated that Pakistan’s involvement in supporting terrorist activities within India continues to block any progress in improving bilateral relations. He strongly announced that as long as Pakistan continues to promote terrorism on Indian soil, India will not engage in any meaningful dialogue.
Gandhi’s statement reflected his solid attitude on Pakistan’s role in terrorism, continuing with the ruling government’s policy of no dialogue unless terrorism ends. He was clear in saying that terrorism, not the Kashmir issue, is the primary barrier to peace between the two countries. His words resounds with Modi’s long-standing refusal to engage in talks with Pakistan unless terrorism is blocked.
Although Rahul Gandhi expressed agreement with Modi’s approach to Pakistan, he voiced sharp criticism of the Prime Minister’s handling of the China issue. Specifically, he raised concerns about the Chinese occupation of Indian territory in Ladakh, stating that Chinese forces had taken control of approximately 4,000 square kilometers of land, an area equivalent to the size of Delhi.Rahul Gandhi described this situation as a “disaster” and said it was poorly managed by Modi’s government.
Rahul Gandhi questioned how any leader could claim to have effectively handled such an issue when Chinese soldiers were still present on Indian land. He even compared this to how the United States might react if a neighboring country occupied a similar portion of its territory. Rahul Gandhi’s view underlined his dissatisfaction with the government’s approach to China, especially in contrast to the strong responses that were expected.
Rahul Gandhi also touched upon India’s relations with Bangladesh and Israel. On Bangladesh, he acknowledged the concerns within India about extreme elements in the neighboring country. He expressed confidence that the situation would stabilize, and relations with the current or future governments in Bangladesh would remain strong.
Regarding Israel, Gandhi prohibited the violence on both sides of the ongoing conflict, saying that both the acts of terrorism on October 7 and Israel’s revengeful bombings of civilians were wrong. He stressed that violence, especially against innocent people, should not be allowed to continue. Gandhi’s point was a call for peace and an end to violence from all parties involved.
Apart from Pakistan and China, Gandhi acknowledged that there is broad continuity in India’s foreign policy, particularly regarding the US-India relationship. He noted that the relationship with the United States is key for both nations, and he did not see any major differences from Modi’s approach to promoting strong ties with the US. He highlighted that India’s democracy is an essential asset not just for the country but for the world, declared that the struggle for democracy in India is an internal matter, and outside nations, including the US, should not interfere in India’s democratic processes.
Rahul Gandhi’s recent remarks in the United States highlighted his delicate view on India’s foreign policy. While he supported Modi’s tough position on Pakistan and showed confidence in the relationship with Bangladesh and Israel, his strong criticism of the handling of China underlined his differences with the government. His highlighting on terrorism as the central issue in India-Pakistan relations agrees him with Modi’s long-standing policy, but his concerns about China demonstrate that he believes there are critical areas where the government has fallen short.
Rahul Gandhi’s comments come at a time when the international community is closely watching India’s foreign relations, particularly with neighboring Pakistan and China. As India navigates these challenges, Gandhi’s voice adds another layer to the debate about how best to protect the country’s interests and maintain stability in the region.
Sanjeev Sharma
Editor In Chief
Alisha Shahid
Asstt. Sub Editor