Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi was largely critical of the Union government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on his unofficial four-day trip to the US, but indicated that the Congress party was in alignment with the ruling BJP on major foreign policy decisions.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday in Washington at the National Press Club, Rahul Gandhi pointed out that his party supported PM Modi's stand on India-US relations, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Israel.
#WATCH | Washington DC, USA: On being asked do you think PM Modi has managed the US-China competition, Congress leader and LoP in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi says, "Well, if you call having Chinese troops in 4,000 square kilometres of our territory handling something well, then maybe… pic.twitter.com/uMvnHqWph5
— ANI (@ANI) September 11, 2024
When asked about his views on India-US bilateral relations, Gandhi said, “I don't see Modi is diverting very much from our approach with the US. I don't see ourselves changing direction very much from what he's doing. So, I see continuity there. I think everybody does accept the fact that the India-US relationship is key for both countries.”
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However, he said that the US cannot interfere in India's internal affairs, and that it is for the people of India to decide.
“The fight for democracy in India is an Indian fight. With all due respect, it has nothing to do with anybody else. It's our problem. And we'll take care of it. We will make sure that democracy is secure.”
Gandhi was supportive of the Centre's stand on Pakistan—that there can be no dialogue between the two countries as long as Pakistan does not put an end to terrorism. He also rejected the notion that the Kashmir issue was preventing the two neighbouring countries from engaging in talks.
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Gandhi said he shared the Union government's concerns about extremist elements in Bangladesh, but expressed hope that things will stabilise in the country soon.
He also reiterated India's stand on the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, saying he was against “violence of any kind”. “I think what happened on the seventh of October [when Hamas attacked southern Israel] was absolutely wrong. But, I also think what Israel did, and is doing, bombing innocent civilians, and killing women and children, is absolutely wrong and should not be allowed to continue. I'm against violence of any kind. And certainly, the scale of violence, I actually think, is harming Israel. It's harming Israel more than it's helping them.”
However, Gandhi was critical of the Centre's policies on China, saying the Chinese had infiltrated into Indian territory. “We have got Chinese troops occupying land the size of Delhi in Ladakh. I think that's a disaster. Media doesn't like to write about it.”
“How would America react if a neighbour occupied 4,000 square kilometres of your territory? Would any president be able to get away with saying that he's handled that well? So, I don't think Modi's handled China well. I think there's no reason Chinese troops should be sitting in our territory,” Gandhi said.
His unofficial trip ended yesterday.
