NDA government's diplomacy with China, Pakistan not showing results: Congress

NEW DELHI: The "unprecedented aggression" by China recently on Indian borders was taking place when Prime Minister Narendra Modi was hosting the Chinese President on his visit to the country, Congress has said while targeting the NDA government over its handling of foreign affairs.

An editorial piece in the latest issue of the party mouthpiece, 'Congress Sandesh', charges that the borders which India shares with China and Pakistan have seen "unprecedented hostile activity" ever since the new government entered office.

Never before have there been such strong and aggressive incidents along the border with Pakistan as in the recent past, the article said, adding that the "so-called diplomatic initiative" of the new government with these neighbouring countries has not borne any fruit.

"Neither was the government in a position to take an aggressive stance nor was it able to contain the neighbours," it claims while saying that Modi, in his pre-poll speeches, had blamed the UPA government for being soft on the issue of borders.

The International Border and Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir have witnessed heavy firing and mortar shelling by Pakistani troops since Oct. 1 which have left several persons dead and scores injured, including security men.

Thousands have fled their homes in the border areas as a result of the ceasefire violations.

"Mere chest-thumping speeches are not the answer to the problem and all the vitriol unleashed earlier by Modi was mere bravado and not the true reality," the article said while calling for the BJP government to admit that these are delicate issues which needed to be handled adroitly.

The write-up further claimed that people would slowly realise that the averments of the Prime Minister are "nothing but promises not based on truth and reality".

"The backlash could have a long-standing adverse effect on the polity of the nation and the PM must at least now, when he is assured of five years in government, make a change in his approach and stick to the truth," it added.

India and China had negotiated the termination of an over three week-long standoff between the troops of the two countries in the Chumar and Demchok areas of eastern Ladakh at the end of September. Chinese President Xi Jinping had made a three-day visit to India between Sept. 17 and Sept. 19.