Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has launched a scathing attack on PM Modi, questioning the government's handling of border tensions and record-high trade deficits with China.

  • Congress posed four critical questions regarding India-China relations.
  • Jairam Ramesh alleged 'calibrated capitulation' in the PM's approach.
  • India's trade deficit with China reached a record $112.6 billion in 2025-26.
  • PM Modi and Xi Jinping discussed peace and stability at the BRICS summit.

The political atmosphere in New Delhi has intensified following the bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS summit. The Congress party has launched a fierce offensive, accusing the Prime Minister of engaging in what they term "calibrated capitulation" toward China.

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh raised four fundamental questions, specifically targeting the Prime Minister's handling of territorial integrity. Ramesh pointed back to the events of June 2020, questioning whether the PM's statement that "no one has entered our territory" weakened India's negotiating position following the tragic Galwan Valley clash where 20 soldiers lost their lives.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the intersection of border security and economic dependence on China represents a multi-dimensional challenge for India. The ability to maintain territorial sovereignty while managing a massive trade imbalance is critical for India's long-term strategic autonomy.

The Congress leader further alleged that India's traditional patrolling and grazing rights in Eastern Ladakh have been quietly surrendered. Furthermore, he highlighted the hardening of China's stance in Arunachal Pradesh, citing the renaming of towns and the construction of the massive 60,000-MW Medog mega-dam on the Brahmaputra, which threatens the water security of Northeast India.

The transition from border skirmishes to economic dependency creates a complex security dilemma that requires more than just diplomatic dialogue.

On the economic front, the scale of the crisis is staggering. India's trade deficit with China hit a record $112.6 billion in 2025-26. Ramesh argued that the 'Make in India' initiative is being undermined by an overwhelming reliance on Chinese components, stating that 'Make in India' and 'Import from China' have effectively become two sides of the same coin.

Did You Know?: The trade deficit with China has become one of the most significant economic hurdles for India's manufacturing sector, particularly affecting MSMEs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is 'calibrated capitulation' as alleged by Congress?
It refers to the allegation that the government is making small, calculated concessions to China that collectively weaken India's position.

2. How much is India's trade deficit with China?
The trade deficit reached a historic high of $112.6 billion during the 2025-26 period.