The United States has refused to endorse Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s remarks that the foreign policies followed by the Modi government have brought Pakistan and China closer.
“I will leave it to the Pakistanis and the PRC to speak to their relationship. I certainly would not – would not endorse those remarks,” said Ned Price, spokesperson of the State department. Participating in a debate in the Lok Sabha (lower house) on the motion if thanks to the President’s address, Rahul Gandhi had heavily criticized PM Modi for his government’s foreign policies which he alleged has resulted in deepening of diplomatic ties between China and Pakistan.
“The Chinese have a very clear vision of what they want to do. The single biggest strategic goal of India’s foreign policy has been to keep Pakistan and China separate. This is fundamental for India. What have you done? You have brought them together… Today, do not be under any illusion. Don’t underestimate the force that is standing in front of you… You have brought Pakistan and China together. This is the single biggest crime that you could commit against the people of India… It is very clear that the Chinese and the Pakistanis are planning. Look at the weapons they are buying. Look at their activities. Look at the way they are talking,” Rahul said on the floor.
Rahul’s remarks invited criticism from the government. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar cited India’s regional history in a response to the Congress leader’s allegations. “Rahul Gandhi alleged in Lok Sabha that it is this Government which brought Pakistan and China together. Perhaps, some history lessons are in order: In 1963, Pakistan illegally handed over the Shaksgam valley to China… China built the Karakoram highway through PoK in the 1970s… From the 1970s, the two countries also had close nuclear collaboration…In 2013, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor started. So, ask yourself: were China and Pakistan distant then?” EAM Jaishankar tweeted.
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Recently, Pakistan received the first batch of howitzers from China to match India’s K-9 Vajra howitzers, as per a report by Hindustan Times. This has been done to help the Islamic country match military capabilities with much-powerful India. Such a move is part of a Chinese policy to keep India heavily engaged in its western front.
