A delegation of the Communist Party of China (CPC) met senior leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and functionaries of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in New Delhi, triggering a sharp political response from the Congress, which termed the engagement “hypocrisy” and questioned its timing and intent.
The CPC delegation, led by Sun Haiyan, Vice-Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC), and accompanied by Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong, first held discussions with BJP leaders at the party headquarters on Monday. A day later, the delegation met senior RSS leaders.
Meetings Described as Courtesy Calls
According to a senior RSS functionary, the Chinese delegation had sought the meeting to understand the Sangh’s organisational philosophy and functioning.
“The Sangh has always been open to meeting people from all ideologies and faiths. This was a courtesy call,” the functionary said, adding that the delegation met RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale. No details of the discussions were shared.
BJP leaders also described the interaction as a courtesy visit aimed at enhancing dialogue. Arun Singh, BJP national general secretary, said in a post on X that discussions focused on strengthening communication and interaction between the BJP and the CPC.
A senior BJP functionary noted that diplomatic engagements have increased since Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s interaction with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the BRICS summit last year, and said such meetings were part of ongoing dialogue efforts.
Congress Questions Intent and National Interest
The Congress, however, raised strong objections, alleging that the meeting sent mixed signals at a time when India-China relations remain strained.
Congress leader Pawan Khera said the party was not opposed to dialogue but questioned what he described as the BJP’s “double standards.” He pointed out that the BJP had earlier criticised the Congress for signing a memorandum of understanding with the CPC, accusing it of compromising national security.
“The Indian National Congress expects full accountability and transparency on what transpired in these closed-door meetings,” Khera said, questioning whether India’s strategic interests were discussed or compromised.
Concerns Over Border Issues and China Policy
Referring to the Galwan Valley clash of June 2020, in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed, Khera accused the government of being soft on China. He alleged that China continues to strengthen its military presence along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and alter the status quo through infrastructure development and territorial claims.
Khera also raised concerns over China’s alleged support to Pakistan and questioned the government’s economic engagement with Chinese companies, citing what he called contradictions between public messaging and policy decisions.
He further questioned the reported meeting between the CPC delegation and RSS leadership, arguing that non-state actors should not influence matters of state policy.
Previous Engagements Not Unprecedented
Officials noted that such interactions are not unprecedented. After the BJP came to power in 2014, a Chinese Embassy delegation had also met RSS functionaries as part of a courtesy visit.
The meetings have come amid heightened political debate over India’s China policy, border tensions, and diplomatic engagement strategies.
