Not party’s views: Cong maintains distance
New Delhi, Feb 17: Congress veteran and Rahul Gandhi’s close aide Sam Pitroda has said the threat from China is often blown out of proportion, and it is time to recognise and respect that country.
In an exclusive interview with IANS, Pitroda was categorical in his take on India-China relations saying that there is a need to change India’s mindset and stop assuming that China is the enemy.
He said that India’s approach has been confrontational from the beginning. “Our attitude is that of confrontation from day one, and that attitude creates enemies, 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 just to China, but to everyone…”
“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 said.
The Congress on Monday distanced itself from its leader Sam Pitroda’s remarks on China, saying they are not the views of the party and that China remains India’s foremost external security and economic challenge.
Pitroda, chairman of Indian Overseas Congress, 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.
“The views reportedly expressed by Mr. Sam Pitroda on China are most definitely NOT the views of the Indian National Congress,” AICC general secretary, communications, Jairam Ramesh said in a post on X.
“China remains our foremost foreign policy, external security, as well as economic challenge. 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,” he said.
“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,” Ramesh said.
The BJP on Monday cited Indian Overseas Congress leader Sam Pitroda’s reported comments downplaying Chinese threat to India to target the opposition party, claiming that his remarks are in line with its leaders’ statements in support of China.
Addressing a press conference, 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.
The BJP spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP also took up the issue of funding from the US-based ground into India for “voter turnout” and the ruling party’s allegation against Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi for links to Pakistan to hit out at the opposition party.
Asserting that there is no escape route for the Congress now, he said the opposition party must come out with a clarification. (Agencies)