Congress Questions Beijing’s Backing of Pakistan Ahead of Wang Yi’s Visit

Quick Summary

• Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is scheduled to visit New Delhi for two days starting August 18, 2025.
• Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized the Government of India over alleged concessions to China following the lethal Galwan Valley clashes in June 2020, which claimed the lives of 20 Indian soldiers.
• Ramesh accused China of supplying weapons adn live intelligence updates to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor (May-July 2025), including fighter jets and advanced missile systems.
• He also highlighted China’s construction of the Medog Dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo river, calling it a serious issue for India.
• Allegations were made regarding buffer zones established within Indian territory post-disengagement agreements with China in October 2024.
• Wang Yi’s visit includes meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi,External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar,and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to discuss border tensions,trade relations,flight resumption,and confidence-building measures ahead of modi’s planned trip to China for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The Chinese Foreign Minister’s visit signals a diplomatic push by both nations despite lingering tensions stemming from several incidents: Galwan clashes in June 2020 and alleged Chinese support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor earlier this year. The timing-days before Prime Minister Modi’s expected SCO summit participation-is notable as efforts are being made toward confidence-building measures that could ease strained ties.Jairam Ramesh’s criticism reflects ongoing domestic scrutiny over India’s handling of its border conflict with China. The creation of buffer zones within previously contested territories might potentially be intended as a peacekeeping mechanism but remains controversial given their location inside Indian claim lines.

The meeting between top leaders from both countries provides an opportunity to recalibrate approaches toward critical issues like water management amid concerns about China’s new dam project on shared river systems-a matter directly affecting India’s strategic interests in downstream water flow management-and broader bilateral trade cooperation amidst geopolitical challenges in South Asia.Read more