New Delhi: The Congress manifesto released Friday has accused the Narendra Modi government for causing the “biggest setbacks to Indian national security in decades” by losing land to China.
The manifesto for the upcoming polls promised to “restore the status quo ante on our borders with China” and ensure that areas where both armies patrolled in the past were again accessible to Indian soldiers. “We will take the necessary steps to adjust our policy towards China until this is achieved,” read the document.
The party also said national security “is not enhanced by chest-thumping or exaggerated claims” but by “quiet attention” to our borders and “resolute defence preparedness”. It added that the Prime Minister’s “clean chit” to China has “weakened” India’s position.
The manifesto said: “Despite 21 rounds of military-level talks, Chinese troops continue to occupy Indian territory and deny Indian forces access to 26 out of 65 patrolling points, equivalent to an area of 2,000 square km in eastern Ladakh.”
Since last week, the Congress has stepped up its attack on Modi’s foreign policy, especially on the border situation with China, after the BJP raised the Katchatheevu issue and the island’s recognition as Sri Lankan territory.
On 31 March, Modi accused the Congress of “callously giving away” the island of Katchatheevu to Colombo in 1974.
The BJP has attacked the Congress over the 1974 and 1976 maritime agreements signed with Sri Lanka, which demarcated the international boundaries between the two countries.
Eye opening and startling!
New facts reveal how Congress callously gave away #Katchatheevu.
This has angered every Indian and reaffirmed in people’s minds- we can’t ever trust Congress!
Weakening India’s unity, integrity and interests has been Congress’ way of working for…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 31, 2024
In the 1974 agreement, India recognised Katchatheevu, a barren, uninhabited island about 24 kilometres off the coast of Ramanathapuram as Sri Lankan territory. In the 1976 agreement, Sri Lanka recognised the resource-rich Wadge Bank as a part of India’s exclusive economic zone.
The Congress in its manifesto promised to, “establish mechanisms with neighbouring countries to resolve the problems faced by fishing communities, to eliminate conflict, arrests, seizure of boats and loss of lives, and to improve livelihood opportunities for our fishing communities.”
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge had Thursday accused Modi of prioritising attacks on the Gandhi family rather than focusing on the India-China standoff in the border.
At a rally in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, Kharge pondered whether Modi was “sleeping” after taking “opium from the fields of Rajasthan” when the Chinese “entered” Indian territory.
‘Will repair relations with neighbours’
The Congress has promised to restore political and commercial ties with Sri Lanka and focus on resolving the “political issues” surrounding Lankan Tamils.
The manifesto also said the party would “repair relations” with the island archipelago of Maldives. Since the start of the Mohamed Muizzu-led government in November 2023, ties between New Delhi and Malé have been tense.
Muizzu asked for the removal of unarmed Indian military personnel that provided training and medical evacuations in the country, and signed agreements with Turkey and China to reduce India’s influence in the country.
The Congress also vowed to reestablish the “primacy” of India’s special relationships with Nepal and Bhutan and enhance “economic and cultural” relations with Bangladesh.
Gaza & expanding the diplomatic corps
The party has accused the BJP of breaking a long-standing “consensus” that has existed with regards to foreign policy since Indian independence.
“There was a consensus on foreign policy since Independence. Unfortunately, in many areas, foreign policy under the BJP/NDA government has witnessed marked departures from this consensus, notably on the ongoing Gaza conflict. Congress pledges to restore India’s global reputation as a voice of peace and moderation in world affairs,” the party said in its manifesto.
The party also accused the Modi government of damaging India’s international reputation through its “intolerance of dissent and suppression of human rights”.
“Congress will significantly increase the size of the Indian Foreign Service, open more missions abroad, leverage our economic strengths, and acquire a position of leadership through the country’s values and mutually beneficial economic relationships,” it said.
(Edited by Tikli Basu)
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