New Delhi: After the country witnessed an outrage over boycotting Chinese products after the violent face-off took place at Ladakh's Galwan Valley which led to the killings of 20 Indian Army personnel, Congress leader and former Union Minister P Chidambaram, on Saturday, suggested that India to remain a part of the global supply chain and should not "boycott" Chinese goods.
"We have to tone down this rhetoric of 'nationalism' because that tends to obliterate every other relevant issue. I support the fact that we must become self-reliant as much as possible but we can't decouple with the rest of the world. India must continue to be a part of the global supply chain and not boycott Chinese goods," Chidambaram replied to ETV Bharat's question.
He further explained, "What part of Chinese trade with India is China's world trade? It's a fraction. So boycotting Chinese goods will not hurt China's economy. We should not bring such issues when we are discussing very grave matters like the defence of India."
He also slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his statement after All-party meeting, on Friday, saying that it will lead to "horrible conclusions".
"China has claimed over the entire Galwan Valley, and PM is saying that no one had intruded into Galwan Valley. Keep these two statements together and its conclusion will be horrifying. GoI should give reply to China's claim today itself and should not wait till tomorrow," Chidambaram asserted.
The Congress leader said that the Chinese narrative is consistent which they have been articulating from the past few weeks, but PM's remarks have come as a shock.
Also read: Has PM Modi given clean chit to China by saying no intrusion in Indian territory, asks Chidambaram
While addressing a virtual press conference, Chidambaram said, "It is quite obvious that PM's statement contradicts the earlier statements made by Chief of Army Staff, the Defense Minister and Foreign Minister. These remarks have left practically everyone baffled and bewildered."
He also urged the Government to focus on the present situation, rather than "digging out" the past incidents, saying, "BJP has forgotten that it is in power from past 6 years. I would appeal to the BJP to answer our questions and not take out past happenings."
In a series of questions asked by the Congress party, Chidambaram said, "If no Chinese troops were inside Indian territory, where did the clash took place on June 15-16? Why did Foreign Minister's statement demand the ''restoration of status quo ante''? What was the meaning of "disengagement" that the Government said was "underway"? When the PM said that the "sacrifice of our soldiers will not go in vain", what did he have in mind?"
Earlier, Congress former President Rahul Gandhi also raised several questions on PM Modi's remarks, saying, "PM has surrendered Indian territory to Chinese aggression. If the land was Chinese: Why were our soldiers killed? Where were they killed?"
