MS Shanker
A video circulating on social media featuring External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has struck a chord with many Indians. Known for his dynamic diplomacy, Jaishankar dismantled claims by the Congress party that recent Chinese encroachments occurred during the Narendra Modi-led NDA government’s tenure. These assertions are not only false but reveal a deliberate attempt to rewrite history.
For some time, the Congress party has been pushing the narrative that the Modi government has failed to counter Chinese incursions, citing incidents like Galwan in Ladakh and later in the Arunachal Pradesh region. These claims, amplified by sections of the media and some retired military personnel, were further fuelled by satellite images allegedly showing Chinese infrastructure on Indian territory. However, upon closer scrutiny, these accusations fail to hold up
Contrary to Congress’s assertions, official records and testimonies from current military leadership refute any significant land loss under the Modi government. Notably, former and serving Army chiefs have highlighted India’s strong response to Chinese provocations, including the decisive handling of the Galwan clash and thwarting intrusion attempts in Arunachal Pradesh. Video evidence from the Indian Army showing troops repelling intruders further undermines Congress’s claims.
India’s border issues with China did not begin in the last decade. The roots trace back to the infamous 1962 war during Jawaharlal Nehru’s tenure as Prime Minister. Following a humiliating defeat, Nehru dismissed the loss by claiming that the encroached territory wasn’t valuable, famously saying, “Not a blade of grass grows there.”
Further, the 1963 Sino-Pakistan agreement ceded 5,180 square kilometers of Indian territory in the Shaksgam Valley to China. This illegal arrangement, facilitated by Pakistan, remains unrecognized by India. Additionally, China continues to claim approximately 90,000 square kilometers of Indian territory in Arunachal Pradesh, along with occupying 38,000 square kilometers in Ladakh. These facts, consistently reiterated in parliamentary statements and RTI replies, contradict Congress’s attempt to shift blame.
In stark contrast to the Congress era, the Modi government has prioritized strengthening India’s border infrastructure and military capabilities. Strategic roads, bridges, and tunnels now dot the previously neglected terrain along the India-China border, enhancing troop mobility and logistical efficiency.
Equipping the armed forces has been another focus. The acquisition of Rafale fighter jets, indigenous nuclear submarines, and modern artillery has bolstered India’s defense readiness. Winter-grade gear and advanced weaponry for troops stationed in high-altitude regions demonstrate the government’s commitment to ensuring preparedness against both China and Pakistan.
Notably, India’s robust response to Chinese aggression under Modi has yielded tangible results. The restoration of the status quo in Ladakh following the Galwan clash and the successful resistance at Doklam underscore a new era of strategic assertiveness.
Rather than confronting its past missteps, Congress appears intent on peddling misinformation. The 2008 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Congress and the Chinese Communist Party, signed by Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi in the presence of Xi Jinping, raises questions about the party’s objectivity on Sino-Indian issues. This, coupled with its historical neglect of border security, erodes its credibility.
Dr. Jaishankar’s recent remarks, supported by RTI disclosures, highlight Congress’s attempts to distort facts for political gain. By blaming the Modi government for encroachments that occurred decades earlier, Congress risks alienating a public that increasingly values transparency and accountability.
India’s challenges with China remain significant. As an expansionist power, Beijing’s intentions cannot be trusted. The Modi government’s focus on self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) and the development of cutting-edge defense technologies, including long-range nuclear capabilities, reflect a strategic approach to securing the nation.
Congress’s attempts to exploit border issues for political mileage are unlikely to resonate with an informed electorate. Rather than spreading misinformation, the party should reflect on its historical shortcomings. As India works towards a resilient future, unity in addressing external threats is paramount. If this isn’t dirty politicking, what is? With its waning relevance in Indian politics, the Congress risks further eroding its image, particularly after the upcoming Delhi assembly polls.”
