Rahul Gandhi Criticizes Indian Prime Minister’s Handling of China Relations and Religious Polarization

Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s approach to China and expressed concerns about religious polarization in the country. During a visit to Washington, Gandhi, a member of the opposition Congress party, stated that China is “occupying our territory” and criticized Modi’s stance on the matter.

Gandhi made these remarks during an event at The National Press Club, emphasizing that the occupation of Indian territory by China is an accepted fact, which he finds unacceptable. He further highlighted his disagreement with Modi’s perspective on the issue.

The Indian embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Gandhi’s statements. His visit to the United States coincides with Modi’s upcoming scheduled visit later this month.

China and India have been uneasy neighbors for decades, particularly following a war on their disputed Himalayan frontier in the early 1960s. Tensions escalated in 2020 after deadly border clashes resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and four Chinese troops. This year, China further heightened tensions by renaming 11 locations in India’s eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims as its territory, referring to it as southern Tibet. India has firmly rejected and denied these claims.

In May, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of peace on India’s border with China for maintaining normal relations between the two nuclear-armed nations. Since assuming power in 2014, Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government has invested significant resources in enhancing military and civilian infrastructure along the 3,800 km (2,360-mile) border with China.

Gandhi also criticized Modi’s BJP for religious polarization in India, accusing the party of generating hatred, polarizing society, and being non-inclusive. He argued that the BJP does not embrace everyone and instead divides society.

The BJP denies these allegations, asserting that its policies are focused on the welfare and development of all Indians. Gandhi also accused the BJP of exerting control over institutions and the press in India. According to the World Press Freedom Index by non-profit organization Reporters Without Borders, India’s ranking has declined from 140th place in 2014 to 161st in the latest report, indicating a decrease in press freedom during Modi’s tenure.

The BJP refutes claims of compromising institutions and asserts that its governance adheres to the rule of law.