China Concerns Overblown, Not India’s Enemy: Sam Pitroda

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Senior Congress leader and close aide of Rahul Gandhi, Sam Pitroda said that the threat from China is often exaggerated. Now the time has come to recognize and respect our neighboring country. On India-China relations, Pitroda said that India needs to change its mindset and give up the notion that China is the enemy. He said that India's approach has always been confrontational, which creates hostility, this way of thinking should change, it is not necessary that we always consider China as an enemy and this should not be just for China but for everyone.

Sam Pitroda said, "I don't know what the threat is from China. I think this issue is often blown out of proportion, because the US always has to identify the enemy." The Congress leader also said that now is the time for all countries to come together. We need to learn, increase dialogue, cooperate and work together, we have to get out of the 'command and control' mentality. He said, "China is all around... China is growing... We have to recognize and understand this. Every country is moving forward, some fast, some slow. Those who are very poor will have to grow fast, and those who are prosperous will grow slower. Those who are developed will have an elderly population, while the developing countries will have a young population. We have to look at all these things together." Pitroda's remarks come after the recent meeting between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in which the India-China border tension was discussed.

During a joint press conference on February 13, US President Trump offered to mediate the ongoing tension between India and China, indicating that the US is ready to play its role in calming the situation. India immediately rejected Trump's offer.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said, "Whatever issues we have with any of our neighbours, we always try to resolve them bilaterally. The same is the case between India and China. We have been discussing our issues bilaterally and will continue to do so."