Rahul Gandhi slams Jaishankar’s Xi meeting as ‘full-blown circus’, amid China’s alleged backing of Pakistan in airstrikes

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi sharply criticized External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for briefing China’s President Xi Jinping on India-China ties during the SCO meeting.

Calling it a “full‑blown circus aimed at destroying India’s foreign policy” in a post on X, Gandhi claimed this outreach sent confusing signals amid rising tensions over China’s support to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh also highlighted China's role during the May military operation, saying Beijing provided "iron-clad support" to Pakistan.

He pointed out that Chinese fighter jets and air-to-air missiles were effectively tested during the strikes—a claim backed by statements from India’s Army Deputy Chief, Lt Gen Rahul Singh.

During his first China visit since the 2020 Galwan standoff, Jaishankar told Xi Jinping that bilateral relations had “made good progress” in recent months, urging both countries to continue de-escalation along the Line of Actual Control.

He also defended Operation Sindoor, clarifying that Pakistan was informed 30 minutes after the strikes began—not before—countering earlier Congress allegations.

By engaging in diplomacy with China without addressing these security concerns, Congress says the government risks projecting weakness.

Rahul Gandhi remarked: “I guess the Chinese foreign minister will come and apprise Modi … The EAM is now running a full-blown circus."

Government supporters, including Telangana BJP chief Kishan Reddy, dismissed the opposition’s comments as disrespectful to the military, while Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann questioned why political messaging was prioritized over celebrating India’s operational success.

The Congress has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to allow a parliamentary discussion on India-China ties, citing the precedent set during the 1962 war, as Jaishankar continues his diplomatic outreach under the SCO framework.