In his Lok Sabha address, Rahul Gandhi criticized the Indian government’s dependence on Chinese goods, linking it to national security risks and the failure of the ‘Make in India’ initiative. He advocated for stronger U.S.-India relations to bolster domestic manufacturing while condemning the repetitive nature of the President’s address and the government’s failure to tackle unemployment.

In a recent session of the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, the Congress Leader of the Opposition, expressed grave concerns regarding India’s reliance on Chinese goods, labeling it a significant national security threat. He asserted that the situation is exacerbated by the apparent failure of the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Gandhi stated that the presence of Chinese forces within Indian territory can be linked directly to India’s lack of domestic production capabilities.

Gandhi highlighted that the Chief of Army Staff has confirmed the encroachment of Chinese forces into Indian territory, attributing this to India’s failure to embrace self-sufficiency in manufacturing. He warned that should conflict arise, Indian forces would rely on Chinese-made components, including electric motors and optics. This, he argued, undermines national security and reflects poorly on India’s defense preparedness.

The Congress leader emphasized the necessity of enhancing India’s strategic partnership with the United States to develop a robust industrial base. He highlighted that India possesses unique advantages due to its lower cost structure, enabling it to contribute significantly to industrial advancements that the U.S. could not achieve alone.

During his speech, Gandhi criticized the President’s address to Parliament, labeling it as repetitive and lacking substance. He noted that neither the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) nor the current National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has adequately addressed the pressing issue of unemployment. Gandhi pointed out that while ‘Make in India’ was a promising initiative, it has largely fallen short of expectations under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju responded to Gandhi’s critiques, insisting that unsubstantiated claims regarding foreign policy should not be made lightly. He emphasized the importance of presenting credible arguments and supporting assertions with evidence. Gandhi reiterated the need for a President’s address that aligns better with public expectations and sincerely addresses the nation’s prevailing concerns.

The discussion in Parliament comes amid rising tensions along the India-China border and growing worries about India’s industrial independence. The ‘Make in India’ initiative, launched in 2014, aimed to transform India into a global manufacturing hub but has faced numerous challenges over the years, leading to criticism regarding its effectiveness. This speech by Rahul Gandhi underlines a critical evaluation of the government’s approach to both national security and economic policy in light of ongoing geopolitical issues.

Rahul Gandhi’s address in the Lok Sabha outlines pressing concerns about India’s dependence on Chinese goods and the failure of domestic manufacturing efforts under ‘Make in India.’ He calls for a reevaluation of national defense strategies and strategic partnerships, particularly with the U.S., to foster self-sufficiency. Furthermore, he critiques the government’s response to employment challenges, demanding more substantial measures to address these urgent issues.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com

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