Sam Pitroda's Comments on China Trigger Political Clash in India

Congress leader's remarks downplaying China's threat draw sharp criticism from BJP, reigniting debates on India's foreign policy approach.

Sam Pitroda, head of Congress' overseas unit, stated that the threat from China is often exaggerated and called for a shift in India's confrontational approach.
The BJP condemned Pitroda's remarks, accusing him of insulting the sacrifices of Indian soldiers in the 2020 Galwan Valley clash.
Congress clarified that Pitroda's views do not represent the party's stance, reaffirming China's position as a central foreign policy challenge for India.
The BJP linked Pitroda's comments to prior controversies involving Congress' alleged ties with China, referencing a 2008 MoU with the Chinese Communist Party.
The remarks come during heightened India-China border tensions and follow India's rejection of a U.S. offer to mediate the dispute.