Opposition Opposes Rajya Sabha Chairman’s Stand on India-China Relations

• Opposition members walked out of the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday due to Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar’s refusal to allow them to seek clarifications on External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s statement on India-China ties.

• Jaishankar’s statement stated that maintaining peace and tranquility in border areas is a prerequisite for the development of India-China ties.

• The opposition, including Opposition Leader Mallikarjun Kharge, staged a walkout when the statement was disallowed.

• Congress MP Randeep Surjewala asked the Minister questions about the basis of the agreement with China, citing a previous statement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

• Dhankhar later clarified that the rule on a statement was explicit and urged members to contribute and believe in certain rules.

• Jaishankar stated that the sustained tension and specific developments in the border areas would adversely impact India’s overall relationship with China.

• He stated that the development of ties was contingent on mutual sensitivity, mutual respect, and mutual interests.