'Definitely Not The Views Of Party': Congress Distances Itself From Sam Pitroda's 'China Not Enemy' Remark

Sam Pitroda had said that the threat from China is often blown out of proportion. The leader, who is also a close aide of Rahul Gandhi, said it's time to recognise and respect China.

File photo of Congress leader Jairam Ramesh.

Source : PTI

The Congress on Monday distanced itself from party leader Sam Pitroda's statement over China and said that his statements are not the views of the party. 

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said that China remains India's foremost foreign policy, external security and economic challenge. He said that Congress has repeatedly raised questions from the centre over its approach to China, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi's public "clean chit to it on June 19, 2020". 

"The views reportedly expressed by Mr. Sam Pitroda on China are most definitely NOT the views of the Indian National Congress. China remains our foremost foreign policy, external security, as well as economic challenge," Jairam Ramesh said in a post on X.

The views reportedly expressed by Mr. Sam Pitroda on China are most definitely NOT the views of the Indian National Congress.

China remains our foremost foreign policy, external security, as well as economic challenge. The INC has repeatedly raised questions on the Modi Govt's… pic.twitter.com/vVjjc9pQbT

— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) February 17, 2025

"The INC has repeatedly raised questions on the Modi Govt's approach to China, including the PM's public clean chit to it on June 19, 2020. Our most recent statement on China was on 28th January, 2025. It is also extremely regrettable that Parliament is being denied an opportunity to discuss the situation and express a collective resolve to meet these challenges effectively," he added.

The clarification from Congress comes after Sam Pitroda said that the threat from China is "often blown out of proportion". The leader, who is considered close to Rahul Gandhi, also said that it's time to recognise and respect China.

In an interview with news agency IANS, Pitroda said India needs to change its approach towards China.

"Our attitude is that of confrontation from day one, and that attitude creates enemy, and that creates certain support in the country. I think we need to change that pattern - to assume that China is the enemy from day one. It is not fair - not just to China, but to anyone," Pitroda said.

"I don't know what is the threat from China. I think this issue is often blown out of proportion because the US has the habit of defining an enemy," he added.

BJP Attacks Congress Over Pitroda's Remarks

The BJP launched an attack against the Congress over Sam Pitroda's reported comments downplaying Chinese threat to India and claimed that his remarks are in line with its leaders' statements in support of China. 

BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi claimed that what Pitroda has said symbolises the mindset of the Congress. He has openly acknowledged the Congress agreement with the China's ruling party, the BJP leader said.

"Pitroda was reported to have said that he does not understand the threat India faces from China, claiming that it is often blown out of proportion. It is a blow to India's prestige," Trivedi said, claiming it appears from his comments that as if India is the aggressor.