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Rahul Gandhi, the former president of the Indian National Congress, has launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's handling of the ongoing border standoff with China. Speaking in Washington D.C., Gandhi claimed that Chinese troops are still present in 4,000 square kilometers of Indian territory in Ladakh, questioning how any leader could claim to have managed the situation well. His remarks have drawn strong criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the ruling party in India.
Gandhi's statement comes at a time when the tensions between India and China remain high. The two countries have been engaged in a border dispute for decades, with tensions escalating in recent years following violent clashes between their troops in the Galwan Valley in 2020. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, there has been no significant breakthrough in resolving the dispute, and the presence of Chinese troops in disputed territories continues to be a source of friction.
The BJP has vehemently rejected Gandhi's accusations, calling them 'baseless' and 'misleading.' Party leaders have accused Gandhi of engaging in 'cheap political stunts' and of trying to undermine the Modi government's efforts to secure India's borders. They have also pointed to the government's investments in strengthening the Indian military and its commitment to safeguarding national interests.
The ongoing debate over the China border standoff highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region. It also exposes the deep divisions within Indian politics, with the opposition parties seeking to capitalize on any perceived weakness in the government's handling of foreign policy issues. The situation is likely to remain volatile in the coming months, with the potential for further escalation if the border dispute remains unresolved.