“Serious deterioration of India’s national security environment”: Jairam Ramesh on Army Chief’s remarks

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh has criticized the Modi government, citing recent remarks by Army Chief General Manoj Pande. Ramesh claims that General Pande’s comments highlight a significant decline in India’s national security under the current government. According to Ramesh, the Army Chief’s annual press conference revealed that talks with China aim to return to the pre-2020 status quo, indicating continued Chinese denial of access to 2,000 square kilometers of Ladakh territory.

Ramesh points to General Pande’s observation of increased terrorist activities in the Rajouri-Poonch sector, emphasizing the failure of claims that measures like demonetization or the removal of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood would end terrorism. Ramesh also notes the toll of over 160 troops killed in terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir since August 5, 2019.

The Congress General Secretary criticizes Prime Minister Modi for his statement on June 19, 2020, giving a clean chit to China, which Ramesh sees as an insult to fallen soldiers and contributing to China’s control of territory despite 18 rounds of military talks. Ramesh expresses concern over China’s influence in India’s neighborhood, citing examples like the Maldives president visiting China before India and China’s expanding influence in Bhutan.

Ramesh accuses the Prime Minister of neglecting national interests and allowing individuals like Chang Chung-Ling and Nasser Ali Shaban Ahli to play questionable roles in critical infrastructure projects controlled by the PM’s associates. He highlights former Army Chief MM Naravane’s revelation that the Agnipath Scheme took the Army by surprise, indicating the government’s callous approach to national security.

In response to General Pande’s recent remarks about terrorist activities in Rajouri and Poonch, Ramesh argues that the government’s focus on electoral advantage rather than genuine national security concerns is evident. He concludes by emphasizing the Army Chief’s view that disruptive technologies have become a new arena of strategic competition on the northern border.