Congress Criticises PM Modi Government Over China Relations And Great Nicobar Project
Congress targets Centre’s China policy, questions Great Nicobar project push.
The Indian National Congress on Wednesday sharply criticised the Narendra Modi-led government over its handling of relations with China, accusing the Centre of pursuing a “4C policy of continued, calibrated capitulation to China”. The opposition party also renewed its objections to the proposed Great Nicobar Island Project, alleging that the government was using national security arguments to deflect criticism over environmental concerns linked to the development initiative.
Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh alleged that the Centre had launched what he described as a propaganda campaign against critics of the Great Nicobar project. According to Ramesh, those raising ecological and humanitarian concerns about the large-scale infrastructure plan were being portrayed as “soft on China”. In a post on X, the Congress leader termed the government’s stance “the height of hypocrisy” and accused the administration of following a policy of “continuing, calibrated capitulation” in its dealings with Beijing.
Ramesh further claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had given China an “inexplicable clean chit” following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash in Ladakh, where 20 Indian soldiers were killed. He alleged that the government had weakened India’s negotiating position with China by giving up traditional patrolling and herding rights in several areas of Ladakh during subsequent talks. The Congress leader also pointed to India’s trade deficit with China, claiming it had risen to approximately USD 115 billion in 2025–26, which he said adversely affected Indian industries, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises.
Also Read: Rahul Gandhi Condemns Nicobar Project As Crime Against Nature
The Congress leader additionally referred to statements by senior Army officers regarding China’s alleged role in supporting Pakistan during Operation Sindoor in May 2025. Ramesh claimed that the prime minister had not adequately responded to those revelations. He argued that while India faces ongoing economic and strategic challenges from China, the Great Nicobar Island Project should primarily be viewed as a commercial venture rather than a military necessity.
According to Ramesh, the transshipment port proposed under the Great Nicobar project does not include significant military infrastructure, despite the government’s emphasis on its strategic value. He said suggestions to strengthen infrastructure at INS Baaz and other facilities under the Andaman and Nicobar Command had allegedly been ignored. Ramesh further alleged that the project, which he said the government was “bulldozing through”, could ultimately become part of what he referred to as the “Modani” business empire, while causing severe ecological and humanitarian consequences in the region.
The Centre has consistently defended the Great Nicobar infrastructure project, maintaining that it is crucial for enhancing India’s maritime connectivity and strategic capabilities in the Indian Ocean region. The proposed development includes a transshipment terminal, airport, township, and power infrastructure. However, environmental groups and opposition parties have repeatedly raised concerns about its potential impact on biodiversity, forest cover, and indigenous communities inhabiting the ecologically sensitive island chain.
Also Read: PM Modi Arrives In Norway, To Strengthen Bilateral Relations
