Congress Leader Criticizes Government's Stance on Great Nicobar Island Project
Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has accused the Modi government of launching a propaganda campaign against critics of the Great Nicobar Island project, labeling them as soft on China. He claims that the government is diverting attention from serious environmental and humanitarian concerns. Ramesh also highlights the government's alleged compromises in its dealings with China, particularly in light of the Galwan clash and the significant trade deficit with China. He calls for accountability regarding China's role in Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. This article delves into the political implications of these allegations and the ongoing discourse surrounding India's relationship with China.
| May 20, 2026, 12:41 IST
Allegations Against the Central Government
On Wednesday, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh accused the central government of launching a propaganda campaign that labels critics of the Great Nicobar Island project as being soft on China. He further claimed that the Modi administration is consistently adopting a policy of planned surrender to China. In a post shared on X, Ramesh stated that the government is attempting to divert attention from the environmental and humanitarian concerns associated with this project.
Government's Propaganda Campaign
Ramesh noted that the Modi government has initiated a campaign through its own channels, branding those worried about the environmental damage from the Great Nicobar Island project as 'soft on China.' He described this as the height of hypocrisy, especially from a government that follows a policy of 'continuous, planned surrender' to China. The Congress leader further alleged that the BJP-led government has compromised India's position on multiple fronts in its relations with China.
Concerns Over Galwan Clash
Referring to the Galwan clash, Ramesh mentioned that on June 19, 2020, the Prime Minister gave an ambiguous clean chit to China, which he deemed a grave insult to the 20 soldiers who lost their lives in Ladakh. He also accused the government of conceding traditional patrolling and grazing rights in several areas of Ladakh during discussions with China, while criticizing the trade imbalance between the two nations. He emphasized that it is the Modi government that has relinquished these rights in negotiations with China.
Trade Deficit with China
Under the Prime Minister's oversight, India recorded a staggering trade deficit of approximately $115 billion with China in 2025-26, which has severely impacted Indian industries, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Operation Sindoor Allegations
Ramesh further claimed that the central government has failed to address allegations made by senior military officials regarding China's alleged role in Pakistan during Operation Sindoor in May 2025. He stated that the Prime Minister has not taken any action in response to revelations about China's significant involvement in planning, monitoring, and executing Pakistan's strategies during this operation.
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