Rahul Gandhi Criticizes ‘Make in India’, Links China’s Presence to Industrial Weakness

Congress Leader Warns of Industrial Lag, Calls for Stronger Domestic Production System

New Delhi, February 4: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a sharp attack on the Modi government during the debate on the motion of thanks to the President’s Address, alleging that China’s presence inside Indian territory is a direct result of the failure of ‘Make in India’ and the country’s industrial policies.

Gandhi, who is the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, stated that wars are not just fought by armies and weapons, but by strong industrial systems, and India’s inability to compete with China’s industrial strength is a national security concern.

‘China Is Inside Our Territory Because We Failed to Boost Production’

Addressing the Lok Sabha, Gandhi said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi denies Chinese incursions, yet the Indian Army continues to engage in talks with China over their presence in Indian territory.

“The reason China is inside our territory is that ‘Make in India’ has failed. People think wars are fought between armies, but in reality, wars are fought by industrial systems. China has a far stronger industrial base, which gives them the confidence to encroach upon our land,” Gandhi said.

He further expressed concerns that India may lose its opportunity to become a leader in the ongoing revolution in energy and mobility, warning that without boosting local manufacturing, India will end up relying on Chinese-made electric motors, batteries, and optics in the future.

“If and when we fight a war with China, we will be using Chinese electric motors, batteries, and optics. This is unsustainable. For the sake of our national security and future generations, we need to build a robust production system,” he added.

‘India Must Seize the Industrial Revolution with the US’

Emphasizing India’s strategic partnership with the United States, Gandhi argued that the collaboration should focus on leveraging India’s cost-effective manufacturing capabilities to counter China’s dominance.

“India is as important to the US as the US is to India. The Americans cannot build an industrial system without us. Our cost structures allow us to manufacture things that Americans cannot even imagine,” he remarked.

BJP Hits Back, Rijiju Calls Gandhi’s Speech ‘Frivolous’

Gandhi’s remarks were met with strong opposition from BJP MPs, with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju accusing him of misleading the House and using “frivolous language” unbefitting of his position as Leader of Opposition.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also intervened, asking Gandhi to substantiate his allegations regarding the failure of ‘Make in India’ and the Chinese incursions.

The heated exchange highlights the deep political divide over India’s economic policies, national security, and industrial strategy, as the country prepares for crucial state elections and the 2024 general elections.