The Congress today asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi whether he will remember his innate duty of protecting India's strategic interests by raising the Doklam issue with China that impacts national security.
Congress communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala took a dig at the prime minister, saying Modi may not be able to show "red eyes" as he "loftily promised", but will he show the courage and conviction to do plain-speaking on Doklam and defend India's interests.
Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping today began talks at an unprecedented two-day informal summit in Wuhan, during which they will have a series of one-on-one conversations focusing on bilateral, global and regional issues.
Modi, who arrived here in the central Chinese city early today for the informal summit, began talks soon after President Xi hosted a grand welcoming ceremony for him.
Surjewala said, "As Modi ji hugs his friend, President Xi Jinping, today in Wuhan, China, will he remember his innate duty to protect India's strategic interests and question China on occupation of Doklam impacting India's National Security?"
"Does the PM accept the failure of his Cabinet ministers (defence and external affairs) to confront China on creation of a full-fledged Chinese military complex in Doklam right up to 10 metres from Indian Army post, during their visit from April 20 to 24, as an abdication of their duty to the nation?," he asked.
Surjewala said India is facing an increasingly aggressive China which is trying intrude into the 'chicken neck' - Siliguri corridor - by building a new road through south of Doklam, and wondered why is the Modi government "clueless and incapable" to send a strong message to China.
"Modi ji may not be able to show 'red eyes' as he loftily promised, but will he show the courage and conviction to do plain-speaking on Doklam and defend India's interests?," the Congress leader said.
He said does the latest satellite imagery from Google maps on April 25, 2018 not show creation of additional structures by China a few meters away from Indian Army posts?
"Has the prime minister and the defence ministry taken note of it? Will PM Modi take up the issue in the 'summit' with Chinese President today in Wuhan, China?," he asked.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping began talks at an unprecedented two-day informal summit here today, during which they will have a series of one-on-one conversations focusing on bilateral, global and regional issues.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "The two leaders will review the developments in our bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspectives."
Official sources said the two leaders will hold a series of one-on-one talks after lunch at the Hubei Provincial Museum.
The summit is being seen as an effort by India and China to rebuild trust and improve ties that were hit by the 73-day-long Doklam standoff last year.
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