15-JULY-2025, 03:00PM
In a sharp and politically charged statement, Rahul Gandhi lashed out at External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, accusing him of running a “full-blown circus” after his recent meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The Congress leader’s remarks come amid heightened tensions between India and China, and reflect growing domestic criticism over the Modi government’s handling of foreign policy with its powerful northern neighbour.
Rahul Gandhi’s fiery critique highlights the persistent discord between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress on matters of national security and diplomatic transparency.
Rahul Gandhi : Strong Rebuke of EAM Jaishankar
Rahul Gandhi : The “Circus” Comment That Sparked Debate
Speaking at a press briefing, Rahul Gandhi slammed EAM S. Jaishankar following the Indian diplomat’s high-level engagement with Chinese leadership during an international summit. Referring to the meeting as “performative diplomacy,” Gandhi stated:
“The External Affairs Ministry is no longer about defending India’s interests. It’s become a full-blown circus, with no transparency or accountability when it comes to China.”
The comment has sparked widespread media debate and drawn reactions from political leaders across the spectrum, with some supporting Gandhi’s demand for clarity, while others dismissed it as political posturing.
Rahul Gandhi : A Long-Standing Critic of Government’s China Policy
Rahul Gandhi has consistently questioned the Modi government’s handling of the India-China border standoff, particularly the 2020 Galwan Valley clash that left 20 Indian soldiers dead. Over the past few years, he has accused the government of concealing facts, failing to restore pre-2020 positions, and compromising national integrity.
The latest attack builds on that narrative, raising concerns over the nature of talks with Xi Jinping, and what concessions—if any—were made behind closed doors.
Rahul Gandhi : Background – The Jaishankar-Xi Jinping Meeting
Rahul Gandhi : Diplomatic Meeting at Multilateral Forum
EAM S. Jaishankar met Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of a recent multilateral gathering, with officials claiming the interaction was brief, formal, and focused on maintaining open diplomatic channels. No joint statement or formal announcement followed the meeting.
While the government portrayed it as a “routine diplomatic engagement,” the opposition, led by Rahul Gandhi, questioned the timing, purpose, and content of the meeting, especially as tensions continue to simmer in Eastern Ladakh.
Opposition Demands Transparency
After news of the meeting surfaced, Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders demanded the release of transcripts and an explanation to Parliament. According to Gandhi, “The Indian people deserve to know what their leaders are promising to a nation that has taken Indian land.”
He further asked why no senior military briefing has been held since the talks, accusing the Modi administration of “managing headlines instead of managing national security.”
Political Fallout and Public Response
BJP’s Response to Rahul Gandhi’s Statement
In response to Rahul Gandhi’s criticism, BJP leaders came out in defense of Jaishankar, calling Gandhi’s remarks “irresponsible and immature.” Union Minister Kiren Rijiju tweeted:
“Rahul Gandhi has a consistent record of undermining Indian diplomacy. The circus is in his imagination. The nation stands with our External Affairs Minister.”
Others in the ruling party dismissed Gandhi’s statements as a desperate attempt to regain relevance ahead of upcoming state elections.
Public Opinion Remains Divided
Social media lit up following Rahul Gandhi’s outburst, with #RahulGandhi, #Jaishankar, and #China trending for several hours. While many users supported the Congress leader’s demand for transparency, others criticized his tone and questioned his foreign policy credentials.
Some users posted clips from earlier speeches where EAM Jaishankar outlined India’s firm stance against Chinese aggression, using them to argue that the government hasn’t compromised on sovereignty.
Rahul Gandhi’s Foreign Policy Stand in Focus
A Consistent National Security Hawk
While traditionally seen as a domestic policy leader, Rahul Gandhi has, over the last few years, increasingly positioned himself as a national security hawk. From speaking on Chinese incursions to voicing concerns about border infrastructure, he has built a strong critique of what he calls the BJP’s “weak spine” on territorial issues.
His latest attack on Jaishankar is consistent with this narrative—and appears aimed at building political capital around issues of national pride and defence.
Critic or Disruptor?
Critics of Rahul Gandhi argue that his statements, particularly those made during sensitive diplomatic periods, can weaken India’s negotiation stance and demoralize institutions. Supporters, however, see him as a much-needed voice of accountability in an era of opaque foreign policy decision-making.
Whether disruptor or defender, Gandhi’s intervention has once again pulled foreign policy into the heart of India’s political discourse.
What’s Next in the India-China Diplomatic Puzzle?
Questions Linger Over Border Status
While the government has claimed “disengagement in some friction points,” many military experts and analysts say that China continues to occupy strategic locations in parts of Eastern Ladakh. This discrepancy between official claims and ground reality is what fuels much of Rahul Gandhi’s criticism.
He has repeatedly asked the government: “Has Indian territory been reclaimed or not?”—a question that still lacks a clear and direct answer.
Parliament Session Likely to Heat Up
With Parliament in session and this controversy heating up, it’s likely that opposition parties, led by Rahul Gandhi, will demand a dedicated discussion on India-China relations. Sources suggest the Congress may also table a motion seeking an official report from the Ministry of External Affairs on all high-level meetings involving Chinese leadership.
This could lead to another high-profile face-off between the government and the opposition in the days to come.
Conclusion: Rahul Gandhi Raises the Temperature on Foreign Policy Again
Whether one agrees or disagrees with his methods, Rahul Gandhi has once again succeeded in dominating the political narrative—this time by targeting India’s top diplomat over engagement with China. His “circus” remark may be controversial, but it has placed the spotlight back on an issue that affects India’s security, sovereignty, and strategic standing in Asia.
As the Modi government and EAM Jaishankar maintain a balancing act between diplomacy and deterrence, the opposition, led by Rahul Gandhi, will likely continue to challenge them at every step—making foreign policy a battleground not just of nations, but of narratives.’
Source : ANI
