Kharge Alleges PM Modi Hurt National Interests By Allowing China's Industrial Rise

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday launched a fresh attack on the Narendra Modi-led Union government, alleging that it has compromised India's national interests by allowing China to strengthen its presence in several strategic sectors of the economy. Kharge claimed the government's policies had enabled China to "capture" critical industries, increasing India's dependence on imports from its neighbour despite heightened geopolitical tensions following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. In a post on X, Kharge cited a media report to argue that China continues to play a dominant role in supplying key inputs to India's strategic industries.

Referring to the June 2020 Galwan Valley clash, in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed, the Congress leader alleged that the government had failed to adopt a tougher economic stance against Beijing despite the military confrontation. "Our bravehearts chose martyrdom, but the Modi government has surrendered India's interests to China," Kharge said. He also alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had effectively given China a "clean chit" following the Galwan incident, reiterating criticism the Congress has levelled against the government over its handling of relations with Beijing.

Kharge claimed that India's dependence on Chinese imports has increased significantly across sectors considered vital to the country's long-term economic and strategic interests. According to him, imports from China have risen by 101.81 per cent since the Galwan clash, leading India's trade deficit with its neighbour to reach USD 112.1 billion by 2025-26. He argued that the growing trade imbalance reflected increasing reliance on Chinese manufacturing despite repeated calls for self-reliance under the Centre's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative.

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The Congress president also highlighted the pharmaceutical sector, alleging that China accounted for 86 per cent of India's antibiotic imports. He further claimed that Chinese companies supplied nearly 74 per cent of India's imports of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), bulk drugs and drug intermediates during the 2024-25 financial year. According to Kharge, such dependence poses risks to India's healthcare security and industrial resilience. The allegations come amid an ongoing political debate over India's economic engagement with China.

While the government has imposed restrictions on Chinese investments in certain sectors, tightened scrutiny of technology firms and banned several Chinese mobile applications following the Galwan clash, bilateral trade between the two countries has continued to remain robust. China remains one of India's largest trading partners, particularly in sectors such as electronics, machinery, chemicals and pharmaceutical raw materials.

The Bharatiya Janata Party-led government has consistently maintained that it is working to reduce import dependence by promoting domestic manufacturing through initiatives such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and 'Make in India'. Officials have also argued that diversification of supply chains and increased domestic production are long-term processes that require sustained investment and industrial capacity building.

Kharge's remarks are the latest in a series of opposition attacks on the Centre over its China policy, particularly in the context of border tensions and trade relations. The Congress has repeatedly questioned the government's approach to managing strategic and economic ties with Beijing, while the BJP has defended its record, stating that national security and economic self-reliance remain key priorities.

The Centre has not immediately responded to Kharge's latest allegations. However, the issue is expected to remain a key point of political contention as Parliament continues to debate matters relating to national security, foreign policy and India's economic dependence on overseas supply chains.

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