Congress has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to directly raise the issue of alleged Chinese restrictions on Indian patrolling in Arunachal Pradesh with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is expected to visit India next month.
New Delhi : The Congress party has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to raise the issue of alleged Chinese intrusion and restrictions on Indian access along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his expected visit to India next month.
The party’s demand comes amid claims that China has allegedly prevented India from accessing historically used Indian patrolling points in the Taksang area of Arunachal Pradesh.
Congress said the reported developments were a matter of serious concern and called for the government to provide a clear explanation to the country regarding the situation along the border.
Congress Raises Concern Over Patrolling Access
The Congress Foreign Affairs Department said it was “deeply concerned” by reports that China had allegedly denied Indian forces access to historically established Indian patrolling points across the LAC in Arunachal Pradesh.
The party described the reported restrictions as another alleged escalation in China’s attempts to establish greater control over territory claimed by India.
Salman Khurshid, chairman of the Congress Foreign Affairs Department, said the issue had initially been brought to the attention of the authorities by local residents.
According to the party, residents had written to the Arunachal Pradesh government and the Government of India in June regarding the situation.
Congress Cites Alleged Chinese Infrastructure Activity
Khurshid also referred to alleged Chinese infrastructure activity in the region.
According to the statement, China has constructed 628 Xiaokang borewells, which Congress said could further complicate India’s security and strategic situation in the border region.
The party attributed information about the borewells to comments reportedly made by Deputy Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Rajiv Gh earlier this year.
The developments, according to Congress, require closer monitoring of the situation on the ground and a comprehensive assessment by the central government.
Congress Wants Immediate Government Response
Congress has demanded that the Modi government immediately inform the country about the reported developments along the Arunachal Pradesh border.
The party has also called for the creation of an all-party delegation to visit the affected areas and assess the ground situation.
According to Congress, such a delegation would allow political parties to understand the situation directly and strengthen national consensus on matters concerning India’s territorial integrity and national security.
PM Modi Asked to Raise Issue with Xi Jinping
The main demand from Congress is that Prime Minister Narendra Modi directly raise the border issue with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Xi is expected to visit India next month, according to the statement cited by Congress.
The opposition party argued that the meeting should be used to firmly communicate India’s concerns regarding territorial integrity, border security and patrolling rights.
Congress said national security should take precedence over what it described as political considerations and symbolic diplomacy.
Rahul Gandhi Criticises Government’s China Policy
Earlier in the day, Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi criticised the government’s handling of India’s foreign policy and China-related issues at an event.
Referring to the border situation, Gandhi alleged that China has prevented India from exercising its right to patrol certain areas of Indian territory.
He also alleged that the government attempted to suppress information about the development.
Gandhi referred to statements made after the Galwan Valley clash, arguing that the government’s public position regarding Indian territory had created difficulties in negotiations with China.
Congress Links Issue to India’s Strategic Autonomy
Congress argued that India must firmly defend its territorial integrity and strategic autonomy.
The party warned that failure to respond strongly to alleged Chinese actions could encourage Beijing to adopt a more aggressive approach elsewhere in Asia.
The party also argued that any weakening of India’s position would have long-term strategic consequences for the country and its standing internationally.
Why Arunachal Pradesh Is Strategically Important
Arunachal Pradesh is one of India’s most strategically sensitive border states.
India and China have long-standing differences over their boundary, particularly concerning areas along the Line of Actual Control.
The region’s geographical location, proximity to Tibet and its extensive mountainous terrain make border infrastructure, military access and patrolling particularly important for India’s national security.
Any reported changes in access to traditional patrolling areas can therefore become a significant strategic and diplomatic issue.
Congress’ Key Demands
Congress has called for several measures in response to the reported developments:
- Immediate clarification from the Central Government on the situation.
- Formation of an all-party delegation to assess ground conditions.
- A detailed assessment of the reported restrictions on Indian patrolling.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi to raise the issue directly with President Xi Jinping.
- Strong emphasis on India’s territorial integrity and strategic autonomy.
Political Dispute Over India’s China Policy
The latest controversy has also intensified the political debate between the Congress-led opposition and the BJP-led government over India’s China policy.
While Congress has accused the government of failing to respond adequately to alleged Chinese activities, the government has historically maintained that India’s territorial integrity and national security remain paramount.
The latest allegations are therefore likely to remain a politically sensitive issue, particularly ahead of the expected high-level India-China engagement.
Bottom Line
The Congress party has demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi directly raise alleged Chinese restrictions on Indian patrolling in Arunachal Pradesh with President Xi Jinping during his expected visit to India.
The opposition party has also called for an all-party delegation to examine the situation on the ground and has demanded that the government provide greater transparency regarding developments along the LAC.
Congress leaders Salman Khurshid and Rahul Gandhi have used the issue to question the government’s China policy and stress the importance of territorial integrity, national security and India’s strategic autonomy.
Important: The allegations regarding Chinese restrictions, infrastructure and loss of access cited above are claims made by Congress and opposition leaders. They should not be treated as independently established facts unless confirmed by the Government of India or other authoritative sources.
