On Rahul Gandhi’s China comments, Jaishankar refers to him as a ‘Panda Hugger

Border tensions with China remain high. Both sides have engaged on the military and diplomatic front on numerous counts to bring tensions down.

In a sharp retort to the recent statements made by Congress leader, Rahul Gandhi, External Affairs Minister, Dr. S Jaishankar said, 'when Panda huggers try to be China hawks, it does not fly.'

He also said that it was troubling as a citizen of India to see, 'see someone trolling over China. The statement was made the India Today Conclave in New Delhi.

When asked about his thoughts on the comments made by Rahul Gandhi at the United Kingdom, Jaishankar said, " I am troubled as a citizen of India, when I see somebody drooling over China and being dismissive about India."

On the allegations made made by Rahul Gandhi about India being scared of China, Jaishankar said, "Rahul Gandhi talks admirably about China and describes the country as 'harmony'. He says that China is the greatest manufacturer and Make in India won't work."

I am troubled as a citizen of India when I see someone drooling over China and being dismissive about India, the Minister also said.

"You can have a point of view about a country, but you should not undermine the national morale. When Panda huggers try to be China hawks, it is does not fly," the external affairs minister also said.

The minister was also asked about the Opposition's allegation that the government was not being honest about the situation along the China border. He said, "these are the same opponents who said let us leave the border undeveloped, so that the Chinese can't come in."

On India's relations with China, Jaishankar said, 'this is a very challenging phase in our times with China. The situation still remains very fragile because there are places where the deployment of troops still needs to be looked upon.'

The 20th edition of the India Today conclave being held at the Taj Palace kicked off on Friday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Justice of India, D Y Chandrachud are scheduled to speak at the event. A host of other renowned leaders too exchanged their ideas on building a better world.

Tensions between India and China have been high since the transgression in 2020. India and China have held several rounds of talks both at the military and diplomatic levels. The issues on several friction points have been resolved. However the situation remains fragile and both sides continue to keep in contact through talks to resolve the pending issues.