Congress’ RS MP Jairam Ramesh marked the fourth anniversary of the clashes between Indian and Chinese troops at Pangong Tso in eastern Ladakh with criticism directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for absolving China and disrespecting the fallen soldiers.
In a post on X, Jairam Ramesh remarked, “Today marks the fourth anniversary of the clashes that commenced between Indian and Chinese troops at Pangong Tso in eastern Ladakh. These escalated into the fatal encounter in Galwan on 15 June 2020, during which 20 of our brave soldiers made the supreme sacrifice. The PM’s exoneration of China four days later – when he stated “No one has intruded into our territory, nor is anyone present” – was a profound insult to our fallen soldiers and effectively endorsed Chinese control over 2,000 square kilometres of land in eastern Ladakh.”
Ramesh also noted that despite 21 rounds of military talks over four years, the situation remains unfavorable. He added, “The Superintendent of Police in Leh has demonstrated that our troops were unable to reach 26 out of 65 patrolling points accessible to them prior to 5 May 2020.”
Highlighting five key points in his post, Jairam Ramesh mentioned, “Chinese forces persist in blocking Indian access in the strategic Depsang Plains at five locations (Patrolling Points 10, 11, 11A, 12, and 13); three critical patrolling points in Demchok remain inaccessible to Indian soldiers; in Pangong Tso, our troops are now restricted to Finger 4, whereas they previously patrolled up to Finger 8; Indian nomads are barred from accessing Helmet Top, Mukpa Re, Rezang La, Rinchen La, Table Top, and Gurung Hill in Chushul; and in the Gogra-Hot Springs area, our nomads are unable to reach Patrolling Points 15, 16, and 17.”
Furthermore, Ramesh pointed out that China’s aggressive buildup and incursions extend beyond Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh, where China continues to bolster forces and infrastructure, posing a direct threat to India’s Siliguri Corridor connecting northeast India with the rest of the country. He stated, “The Modi government has presided over the destabilization of Manipur and other parts of the northeast, playing directly into the hands of the Chinese.”
Directing his criticism at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ramesh remarked, “This regrettable situation is a clear indictment of the PM’s credulity and naivety regarding China. As CM of Gujarat, Modi was generously hosted by China three times. As PM, he made five official visits to China and held 18 meetings with Chinese Premier Xi Jinping, including a friendly swing session on the banks of the Sabarmati on the PM’s 64th birthday.”
Ramesh also highlighted the increase in India’s economic dependence on China while the northern neighbor adopts a more aggressive stance towards India. “Chinese exports to India surged from $70 billion in 2018-19 to a record $101 billion in 2023-24, while Indian exports to China remained stagnant at $16 billion,” he noted. “India’s MSMEs continue to suffer under the combined impact of demonetization, GST, and low-cost Chinese imports.”
Additionally, Ramesh discussed China’s strengthening ties with neighboring countries like Pakistan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan, noting their strategic implications. “Its strategic alliances with Pakistan and the Maldives have only strengthened,” he remarked. “In Sri Lanka, where successive Indian governments worked to keep foreign powers at bay, China has secured a 99-year lease on Hambantota Port. There is significant Chinese pressure on Bhutan to agree to a border settlement favorable to China, even as its grip on Doklam tightens despite hollow claims of ‘victory’ in 2017.”
Ramesh concluded his post by questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi and asking if he still stands by his statement of 19 June 2020, “No one has intruded into our territory, nor is anyone present.” He added, “Has your government conceded to Chinese control over thousands of square kilometers in Depsang and Demchok for the foreseeable future, or are you still striving to restore the status quo ante before 5 May 2020? Has anyone been held accountable for India’s most significant strategic and intelligence lapse in decades? When will you take responsibility for the dismal failure of your China policy?”