End trade relations with China, demands Punjab MP

The Punjab MP also asked the Modi government to come clean on the controversy surrounding the Adani Group.

New Delhi | Updated: 07 February, 2023 12:05 pm IST

Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar) MP Simranjit Singh Mann on Monday raised questions on the Modi government’s China policy in wake of incursions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and advocated ending trade relationships with Beijing.

Speaking to The New Indian, the Rajya Sabha member also demanded the government condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

“There have been various scandals under this government like Chinese incursions in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang. Despite these incidents, we have trade relationships with China,” Mann said.

Raising concerns over India’s trade deficit with China, he said: “We have a trade deficit of USD100 billion with China. We are maintaining trade relationships with an enemy country, which occupied our land. This is wrong.”

According to recent reports, India’s trade deficit with China has risen to USD101.02 billion, surging past the USD100 billion mark for the first time. In 2021, the deficit was USD69.38 billion.

The parliamentarian said that India’s stand on the Russia-Ukraine war could give legitimacy to land grabs by big countries.

“Russia has attacked Ukraine and is occupying their land. And India is supporting Russia. So if you support Russia (for occupying land in Ukraine), how would you oppose China, which is doing similar acts of aggression?” he asked.

Mann also asked the government to soften its stand on the Adani Group and allow a discussion in the parliament over allegations of irregularities against the conglomerate.

“The government must answer questions regarding the Adani Group controversy in the parliament. BJP could have done good work for the country but when the Opposition asks any question, it is always in the interests of the country,” he said.

The MP also alleged that the government is scared of debate on billionaire Gautam Adani’s conglomerate, which has been accused of “pulling the largest con in corporate history” by way of stock manipulation and accounting fraud.

The Budget session of the parliament has seen back-to-back adjournments as a faceoff between the treasury and Opposition benches continues over discussion on charges levelled by US-based short-seller Hindenburg Research against the port-to-energy giant.

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