Congress Accuses Government of U-Turn on China, Demands PM Modi Explain in Budget Session

New Delhi: The Congress party on Friday claimed that the Modi government is planning to lift five-year-old restrictions on Chinese companies, allowing them to bid for Indian government contracts. The opposition described the move as a “calculated surrender policy” in the face of Chinese aggression and demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi clarify the sudden policy reversal during the upcoming Budget Session of Parliament.

Lifting Old Restrictions
Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh shared a news report on social media, alleging that India’s Finance Ministry is preparing to remove long-standing restrictions on Chinese firms participating in government tenders. No immediate response has been issued by the government regarding these claims.

Ramesh highlighted the timing of the proposed U-turn, pointing out that it comes just eight months after China openly supported Pakistan militarily during Operation Sindhur, and when Army Vice Chief Lt. Gen. Rahul R. Singh had officially listed China as one of India’s adversaries. “Now, the Modi government plans to allow Chinese companies to bid for Indian government contracts despite this aggressive stance,” he said.

Concerns Over Trade and Investment Policies
Congress leaders argued that this step follows previous government decisions that permitted Chinese investment in India’s electronics sector and granted generous visas to Chinese workers, at a time when the trade deficit with China continues to widen. They also claimed that the move aligns with recommendations from the NITI Aayog aimed at lifting all restrictions on Chinese trade and investment in India.

A Calculated Surrender, Says Congress
Jairam Ramesh said, “This step represents a deliberate surrender policy in the face of Chinese aggression, stemming from the Prime Minister’s own weaknesses. The most egregious example of this was the public ‘clean chit’ given to China on June 19, 2020.”

He further criticized the timing of the decision, noting that it comes while Indian troops are restricted in traditional patrol areas, China maintains a heavy military presence in eastern Ladakh, provokes tensions over Arunachal Pradesh, and is constructing the Medog dam on the Brahmaputra River—all within a year of providing extensive support to Pakistan against India.

Ramesh demanded that Prime Minister Modi provide a full explanation in the Budget Session about this sudden U-turn in China policy, calling for clarity after what he described as the Prime Minister’s long-standing habit of evasive responses.