Kharge alleges PM Modi hurt national interests by letting China capture India's critical industries

In a recent statement, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of compromising national interests by allowing China to gain a foothold in critical Indian industries. Highlighting the government's handling of economic ties with China, Kharge pointed to a significant increase in imports from the neighboring country since the Galwan clash. He claimed that by the fiscal year 2025-26, these imports are projected to surge by 101.81 percent, raising concerns about India's economic sovereignty. Kharge's comments come amid ongoing tensions between India and China following the 2020 Galwan Valley skirmish, which heightened scrutiny over bilateral trade relations. Critics argue that despite the geopolitical frictions, the Indian government has not sufficiently curbed its economic dependence on China. Kharge emphasized the strategic risks of such dependency, urging the government to reassess trade policies and prioritize domestic industry growth to safeguard national interests. Responding to these allegations, government officials have defended their economic strategy, asserting that diversifying trade partnerships and encouraging local manufacturing remain top priorities. They argue that the increase in imports is part of a broader strategy to balance economic growth with geopolitical realities. As the debate intensifies, the issue of managing India's trade relationship with China continues to be a contentious topic in the nation's political discourse.

— Authored by Next24 Live