Archive · 14 Sep 2026
Congress Challenges Modi’s China Policy After Xi Meeting
India’s Congress party criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi after he met Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh asked four questions about how India is handling China.
He said Modi’s comments after the 2020 border clash may have weakened India’s position in negotiations.
Congress also alleged that India lost some border access and traditional rights in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh.
It questioned whether India softened its view of China’s support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor.
Congress said India’s trade deficit with China had become very large and could hurt Indian businesses.
India’s foreign ministry said Modi and Xi discussed peace along the border, trade problems and supply chains.
It also said both countries supported finding a fair and mutually acceptable boundary settlement.
Jairam Ramesh accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of “calibrated capitulation” toward China and posed four questions about bilateral policy.
Ramesh questioned Modi’s June 19, 2020 statement that no Chinese troops had entered Indian territory, saying it may have weakened India’s negotiating position after the Galwan Valley clashes.
Congress alleged that India had surrendered traditional patrolling and grazing rights in parts of Eastern Ladakh and lost access to some patrolling points in Arunachal Pradesh.
Ramesh questioned an alleged softening of India’s position on China’s support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, citing differing assessments by senior military officials.
Congress criticized India’s record $112.6 billion trade deficit with China in 2025-26, while the Ministry of External Affairs said the leaders discussed trade imbalances, supply chains and boundary issues.
- Who
- Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi after Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping.
- What
- Congress accused the Modi government of “calibrated capitulation” and questioned its handling of border issues, China’s role regarding Pakistan and bilateral trade.
- When
- Ramesh issued the questions on Sunday, one day after the Modi-Xi meeting; the statement referred to events in 2020, 2025, 2026 and the 2025-26 financial year.
- Where
- The meeting took place on the sidelines of a BRICS summit; the border concerns cited involved Eastern Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh.
- Why
- Congress sought explanations for alleged territorial and negotiating setbacks, an alleged change in policy on China’s support for Pakistan and the growing trade deficit.
Congress criticism
Government and diplomatic position
Border policy
Congress criticism
Congress alleged that Modi’s 2020 statement weakened India’s negotiating position and that China made territorial advances or restricted Indian access in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh.
Government and diplomatic position
The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized peace and tranquillity along the frontier and a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable boundary settlement.
China’s role in Pakistan support
Congress criticism
Ramesh questioned an alleged softening of India’s position on China’s support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, citing differing public assessments by Lt. General Rahul Singh and former Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan.
Government and diplomatic position
The articles reported no immediate government or Bharatiya Janata Party response to this allegation.
Economic relationship
Congress criticism
Congress said the record trade deficit and dependence on Chinese raw materials, components and intermediates were damaging Indian industry and undermining “Make in India.”
Government and diplomatic position
The Ministry of External Affairs said Modi and Xi discussed structural trade imbalances, supply-chain concerns and predictable market access.
- Congress representative
- Jairam Ramesh, Congress general secretary in charge of communications
- Meeting
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of a BRICS summit.
- Main accusation
- Ramesh described the government’s approach to China as “calibrated capitulation.”
- 2020 border statement
- Ramesh questioned Modi’s June 19, 2020 statement that no one had entered Indian territory.
- Border allegations
- Congress alleged that India surrendered traditional patrolling and grazing rights in parts of Eastern Ladakh and lost access to some patrolling points in Arunachal Pradesh.
- Trade deficit
- India’s trade deficit with China reached $112.6 billion in 2025-26, according to Ramesh.
- Diplomatic position
- The Ministry of External Affairs said peace and tranquillity along the frontier were essential and that the countries supported a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable boundary settlement.
