New Delhi, June 6
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has once again cited historical records to criticise the Congress party's handling of foreign affairs, alleging that India's global standing suffered significantly in the aftermath of the 1962 war with China.
Citing classified documents, Dubey claimed that no country was willing to align with India after the military debacle in 1962, exposing the frailty of Jawaharlal Nehru's foreign policy.
"Understand the state of foreign policy during the time of the revered Nehru Ji, the pioneer of the Congress Party's foreign policy. After the 1962 war with China, no country was ready to align with India," Dubey wrote in a post on X on Friday.
He went on to allege that even India's immediate neighbours distanced themselves during this period of diplomatic isolation.
"Moreover, our neighbouring countries -- Nepal, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Burma, Pakistan, Vietnam, Mongolia, and Korea -- all met in Beijing in 1963, sided with China, and signed an agreement regarding the land dispute," Dubey added.
Addressing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi directly, Dubey said, "Rahul Baba, make your party aware of the country's plight during the Gandhi family's time through a proper lesson. Daily humiliation is not right," he said.
This is not the first time Dubey has invoked archival material to take aim at the Congress.
In an earlier instance, he cited a decades-old letter allegedly written by then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to his Chinese counterpart. Dubey claimed the letter revealed a tone of submissiveness and helplessness.
According to him, the letter stated that China had occupied 20,000 square km of Indian territory in the east and 6,000 square km in the west, in addition to taking 4,000 Indian soldiers hostage during the conflict.
He further alleged that Nehru had sent the Sri Lankan Prime Minister as a mediator for surrender and was "awaiting China's instructions," suggesting that India's leadership at the time had abdicated its strategic autonomy.
— IANS
Reader Comments
History should be learned, not weaponized. While 1962 was indeed a difficult chapter, today's India is much stronger under Modi ji's leadership. Our foreign policy now commands respect globally. Let's focus on building the future rather than finger-pointing about the past.
It's painful to read about our diplomatic isolation post-1962. But is this really the time to reopen old wounds? China remains our biggest challenge even today. Instead of political mudslinging, shouldn't all parties unite to ensure history doesn't repeat itself? 🇮🇳
The 1962 war was a national tragedy, not just a Congress failure. Many factors contributed - intelligence gaps, military unpreparedness. BJP should show more statesmanship than using historical events for point-scoring. Our soldiers deserve better than being reduced to political ammunition.
Whether Congress or BJP, we must learn from history. China hasn't changed its expansionist mindset - look at Doklam, Galwan! Instead of blaming Nehru, let's discuss how to strengthen our borders now. More budget for infra in Arunachal, better weapons for jawans - these matter more than old letters.
The declassified papers reveal shocking truths! No wonder China behaves arrogantly even today - they remember our weak past responses. Thank God for leaders like Sardar Patel who warned about China early. We need this historical awareness to prevent future mistakes. Jai Hind!
As a history student, I find this selective quoting problematic. Nehru also built Non-Aligned Movement which gave India global voice. Yes, 1962 was failure, but foreign policy can't be judged by one event alone. Let historians do their job without political interference please!
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