Summary
- Rahul Gandhi accused the Modi government of surrendering to foreign powers and mishandling US tariffs and border disputes with China.
- BJP leaders Anurag Thakur and Nishikant Dubey countered, defending PM Modi’s global stature and criticizing the Congress’s China legacy.
- Sonia Gandhi raised the China issue in Congress Parliamentary Party, linking Modi’s statements to weakened negotiating power.
A Charged Debate Over India’s External Affairs In a fiery exchange in the Lok Sabha on April 3, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi targeted the BJP and the RSS, accusing them of bowing before foreign interests while raising two pressing concerns: the 26% tariff imposed by the United States on Indian exports and the government’s handling of the ongoing border tensions with China.
The Congress leader’s speech triggered an immediate backlash from the BJP, with key ministers and MPs defending Prime Minister Narendra Modi and pointing fingers at the Congress’s own historical missteps in foreign policy.
BREAKING: Rahul Gandhi slams Modi govt over 26% Trump tariffs!
— Chikku (@imChikku_) April 3, 2025
“BJP’s history is of bowing down, while Congress, since Indira Gandhi’s time, knows how to handle foreign policy.” 🫡
Full Belt Treatment on #TrumpTariffs—Must Watch & Share!#WaqfBillAmendment pic.twitter.com/wjNZtjL7WW
Rahul’s Dual Attack: Tariffs and Territory
- Criticized the Modi government for the 26% US tariffs, calling it a threat to India’s economy.
- Accused BJP of weakening India’s stance by not responding strongly to China’s territorial encroachments.
- Recalled the Galwan Valley incident and expressed outrage over the government’s continued normal relations with China.
Rahul Gandhi expressed “shock” over reports that Indian officials had exchanged letters with Chinese counterparts and criticized the Foreign Secretary for sharing a celebratory cake with the Chinese ambassador. “We should get our land back,” he declared, asserting that China is “sitting on 4,000 kilometers of our territory.”
On US tariffs, Gandhi warned that American trade actions would “completely devastate our economy” by hitting the auto, agriculture, and pharmaceutical sectors. His critique came amid recent reports of President Trump’s aggressive tariff diplomacy during his second term.
BJP’s Counterstrike: ‘Not Nehru’s India Anymore’
- Anurag Thakur and Nishikant Dubey rebuked Congress, citing its historic concessions to China and Sri Lanka.
- Thakur accused Congress of colluding with China and referenced the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation’s alleged funding from Chinese entities.
- Dubey defended Modi’s leadership, claiming the world respects him and cited global leaders’ praise, including the Papua New Guinea PM who “touched Modi’s feet.”
The BJP reiterated that India had not given up an inch of territory under Modi’s tenure, contrasting it with Congress-era decisions such as the surrender of Katchatheevu Island to Sri Lanka and alleged concessions on Tibet.
BREAKING 🚨
— Amock (@Politicx2029) April 9, 2025
I am warning you, an economic disaster is coming to India just like COVID.
PM Modi hugged Trump during his US visit.
But now, when Trump hits us with 26% tariff, Modi is completely silent.
—Rahul Gandhi at his best today 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/o7sqVqvvDH
Sonia Gandhi and Congress Double Down
- At the Congress Parliamentary Party meeting, Sonia Gandhi accused PM Modi of giving China a “clean chit.”
- She linked Modi’s foreign policy remarks to a weakening of India’s global negotiation position.
- Highlighted the adverse impact of rising Chinese imports on Indian MSMEs and job creation.
Sonia added that requests for debate on the China issue had been repeatedly denied in both Houses, despite the opposition’s insistence. “Meanwhile, Chinese imports are booming and destroying our MSMEs,” she said.
The Growing Rift Over National Security and Foreign Trade Rahul Gandhi evoked a remark by Indira Gandhi, claiming foreign policy should stand tall rather than lean right or left. He contrasted that with what he termed BJP’s “philosophy of bowing to every foreigner.” BJP leaders countered by asserting that it was Congress that initiated flawed agreements with China that haunt India to this day.
This sharp back-and-forth underscores the high political stakes surrounding India’s foreign policy choices amid escalating global tensions. With India caught between trade friction with the US and territorial challenges from China, the issue is likely to dominate debates in the run-up to the elections.
