New Delhi: Ahead of the Chinese foreign minister’s visit to New Delhi on Monday, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized the government, highlighting that the trip comes just three months after Beijing reportedly provided Pakistan with weapon systems and live intelligence updates during Operation Sindoor. Ramesh claimed India was bearing the consequences of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “clean chit” to China on the Galwan issue, calling it an insult to the 20 Indian soldiers who died in the Galwan Valley clash of June 2020.
“Only three months ago, China extended full military support to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, supplying J-10C fighter jets, PL-15 air-to-air missiles, and a range of missiles and drones,” Ramesh said on X. “According to Deputy Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Rahul R Singh, China also provided Pakistan with live intelligence against India, highlighting that China was among the ‘adversaries’ India faced during the operation.”
Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7 in response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people, targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. Despite Pakistan’s counter-attack, hostilities ceased by May 10. Ramesh also raised concerns over China’s construction of the 60 GW Medog Dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo river, which he said has “very serious implications” for India.
He further criticized the government for agreeing to a disengagement with China in October 2024, under which Indian patrols now need Chinese approval to access patrolling points in Depsang, Demchok, and Chumar. “India has also accepted ‘buffer zones’ in Galwan, Hot Spring, and Pangong Tso, areas within its claim line. This is far from the pre-aggression status quo. India is paying the price for PM Modi’s public clean chit to China on June 19, 2020, when he declared that ‘No one has entered our territory, nor have we entered anyone’s,’” Ramesh said. He added that this stance “mocked and insulted the sacrifice of 20 Indian soldiers in Galwan.”
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is set to meet Prime Minister Modi during his two-day visit starting Monday, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, gains importance ahead of Modi’s planned trip to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.
Prior to meeting the prime minister, Wang will hold talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Discussions are expected to cover key issues, including the border situation, trade, and resumption of flight services.
Wang’s visit is widely seen as part of ongoing efforts to restore bilateral relations strained by the Galwan Valley clashes. Both sides are anticipated to explore new confidence-building measures to ensure lasting peace and stability along the contested border, according to sources.
