Will Meet China Head On But Won't Hide Reality From People: Rahul Gandhi In UK

Rahul Gandhi addressed issues including China and Ukraine, expressing concerns about China's incursion into Indian territory and offering thoughts on India's role as a democratic counterweight.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during an interaction at the Chatham House, in London, late Monday evening, March 6, 2023. ( Image Source :PTI )

London: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi concluded his tour of the UK with a visit to the Palace of Westminster in London and the international affairs think tank Chatham House. During his visit to Chatham House, the Congress leader addressed various issues, including China's actions towards India and the situation in Ukraine.

When asked about China's behaviour towards India, Gandhi expressed that the word "antagonize" does not accurately reflect the situation, stating that China has already taken 2000 square kilometres of Indian territory.

"The word ‘antagonize’ doesn’t capture it. In fact, I attended a meeting between the government and the opposition after the incident and we were all told that China had not taken ‘an inch’ of territory from India. Now, what does that say to the Chinese? We all know it. Our military knows it. China knows it. So it encourages China,” Rahul Gandhi said. 

He further shared his opinion that India, as the world's largest democracy, should provide a counterweight to China's narrative.

“...We also need to consider that China is our neighbour and competitor. If we are going to talk about productivity, we are the biggest game in town so they see us as a problem. They are offering a vision of productivity and prosperity that is appealing to their people.  So we need to match that vision and offer our own version of prosperity to our people,” the Congress leader added. 

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On the topic of how a Congress government would respond to Chinese incursions into India, Rahul Gandhi said that they would acknowledge the intrusion to the public.

“We will have to see when we are in power but to begin with we would acknowledge that they had intruded into 2000 square kilometres of our territory rather than keep it from the people,” he said. 

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He also expressed alignment with the BJP's foreign policy on Ukraine while condemning any form of violence and war.

“I do agree with [India's] foreign policy on that issue. But there is also an element of national interest. We have to look after our interests. But I’m against any type of war. I’m against any type of violence and the sooner it ends the better it is," he said.  

Adding continued Russia-Ukraine war and escalation is downright dangerous, Gandhi said every nation in the world should do its bit to stop it.