WASHINGTON:
Indian opposition chief Rahul Gandhi on Thursday criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dealing with of relations with China, saying Beijing was “occupying our territory,” whereas additionally taking a dig on the Hindu nationalist chief over the nation’s spiritual polarization.
“The actual fact of the matter is China is occupying our territory. It is an accepted truth,” Gandhi, who belongs to the opposition Congress celebration, mentioned in remarks at The Nationwide Press Membership in a go to to Washington.
“It is completely unacceptable. Prime Minister appears to consider in any other case.”
India’s embassy in Washington didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.
Gandhi’s journey comes weeks forward of Modi’s scheduled US go to later this month.
China and India have been uneasy neighbors for many years following a battle on their disputed Himalayan frontier within the early 1960s.
After lethal border clashes in 2020 that killed 20 Indian troopers and 4 Chinese language troops, China this 12 months ramped up stress by renaming 11 places in India’s jap state of Arunachal Pradesh, which China calls southern Tibet and claims as its territory. India has rejected and denied these claims.
In Could, Modi mentioned peace on India’s border with China is crucial for regular relations between the nuclear-armed neighbours. Since coming to energy in 2014, the Bharatiya Janata Celebration (BJP) authorities of Modi has pumped tens of millions of {dollars} to spice up navy and civilian infrastructure alongside its 3,800-km frontier with China.
Individually, Gandhi blamed Modi for India’s spiritual polarization, saying his Hindu nationalist celebration was not inclusive.
“They kind of generate a specific amount of hatred in society, they polarize society and they aren’t inclusive. They do not embrace all people, and so they divide society,” Gandhi mentioned.
The BJP denies the allegations and says its insurance policies are aimed on the welfare and growth of all Indians.
Gandhi additionally accused the BJP of “seize of establishments” and “seize of the press” in India. Since Modi got here to energy in 2014, India has slid from 140th in World Press Freedom Index, an annual rating by non-profit Reporters With out Borders, to 161st this 12 months, its lowest ever.
The BJP denies institutional compromise and says its governance abides by the rule of legislation.