In Parliament, the Congress party has voiced concerns about the government's apparent lack of strategic adjustments in response to the evolving Pakistan-China relationship. The opposition party's criticism comes amidst ongoing discussions regarding national security and foreign policy.
A key point of contention is whether the government is adequately addressing the "well-fused" Pakistan-China front. Congress leaders have questioned the government's approach, particularly in light of recent events such as Operation Sindoor, where China reportedly provided support to Pakistan. This support allegedly included testing network-centric warfare and weapon systems.
The party has also alluded to statements made by Lt. Gen. Rahul R Singh, who suggested that India faced three adversaries during Operation Sindoor, with China providing real-time intelligence to Pakistan. Congress has urged the government to acknowledge intelligence and security lapses and to articulate a clear plan to counter the combined challenges posed by China and Pakistan.
Concerns have also been raised regarding India's diplomatic strategies. Specifically, the Congress has questioned why India abstained from voting against financial assistance to Pakistan from international bodies like the IMF, the Asian Development Bank, and the World Bank. The party also questioned why all-party delegations were not sent to neighboring countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan.
These concerns reflect broader questions about India's approach to managing the complex dynamics of the region. Some analysts suggest that China views Pakistan as a strategic partner to counter India's influence in South Asia. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has further solidified this relationship, making Pakistan a key recipient of Chinese investment.
Within the government, there seems to be a difference in views regarding the approach towards China. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has noted a "gradual" positive trend in Sino-Indian relations since Prime Minister Modi's meeting with President Xi Jinping in 2024. However, this perspective has been challenged by the Congress party, which points to China's continued support for Pakistan and its restrictive trade measures affecting India's economy.
The Home Minister Amit Shah has been critical of Congress's past policies, blaming them for the creation of Pakistan and for ceding territory to China in the 1962 war. He also questioned a 2008 memorandum of understanding between the Congress party and China, and said that Nehru had refused a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), prioritizing relations with China.
Some experts suggest that India's approach to China involves a degree of tactical flexibility, using improved relations to enhance its bargaining position with other countries, including the United States. However, there are concerns that this approach could be exploited by China to achieve its long-term goals.
The Congress party's criticism highlights the need for a comprehensive and long-term strategy to address the challenges posed by the Pakistan-China alliance. This strategy would involve diplomatic, economic, military, and regional components, while also considering the broader geopolitical dynamics of the region. It may include strengthening defense capabilities, promoting alternative connectivity projects to counter China's Belt and Road Initiative, and actively engaging with other Asian nations to counterbalance Chinese influence.
