New Delhi: The Congress on Wednesday raised serious concerns over a recent statement by China’s foreign minister claiming that Beijing played a mediating role in ending the May 2025 military confrontation between India and Pakistan. The opposition party has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to respond directly to the claim, stating that it contradicts India’s official position and warrants public clarification.
Opposition Questions Third-Party Role in De-escalation
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh, in a statement shared on social media, said the claim of Chinese mediation was not a routine diplomatic comment and could not be ignored. He pointed out that similar assertions of third-party involvement had been made earlier by foreign leaders, but the Prime Minister had remained silent on those occasions as well.
Ramesh argued that China’s statement creates confusion about how the hostilities were resolved and undermines India’s long-standing policy of rejecting external mediation in bilateral issues with Pakistan.
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Government’s Stand on Operation Sindoor
The military confrontation, referred to by Indian authorities as Operation Sindoor, witnessed heightened tensions along the western border before an abrupt cessation of hostilities in early May. The government has consistently maintained that the de-escalation was achieved through direct communication between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan, without the involvement of any third country.
According to official briefings, established military protocols were followed to restore calm, reinforcing India’s position that bilateral mechanisms remain sufficient to manage such situations.
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China’s Statement Raises Diplomatic Concerns
China’s foreign minister, while addressing an international forum, listed the India-Pakistan standoff among several global conflicts where Beijing claimed to have played a constructive mediating role. This assertion, the Congress said, needs to be viewed in the broader context of India-China relations, which remain strained due to unresolved border disputes and strategic rivalry.
Ramesh noted that India has recently shown signs of diplomatic re-engagement with China, but questioned whether such engagement was yielding balanced outcomes. He alleged that India’s current posture appeared reactive rather than assertive.
Trade Imbalance and Border Tensions Highlighted
The Congress leader also drew attention to India’s growing trade deficit with China and the country’s dependence on Chinese imports across key sectors. He argued that economic asymmetry weakens India’s leverage and complicates diplomatic engagement.
In addition, he referred to continued tensions along the Line of Actual Control, including Chinese activity in sensitive areas, saying these developments make transparency on Beijing’s claims even more important.
Call for Prime Minister’s Response
The Congress has demanded a clear statement from the Prime Minister addressing China’s mediation claim and reaffirming India’s position on third-party involvement. According to the party, silence on such matters risks allowing external narratives to gain credibility and may dilute India’s diplomatic messaging.
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Broader Implications for Foreign Policy
The episode has triggered renewed debate over India’s foreign policy approach, particularly in managing relations with powerful neighbours while safeguarding strategic autonomy. Political observers believe how the government responds could have implications beyond this specific incident, shaping perceptions of India’s stance on conflict resolution and international diplomacy.
