A fresh political controversy has erupted after Congress accused the BJP of sending mixed signals to China amid reports of Chinese construction in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shaksgam Valley. Congress leader Supriya Shrinate criticized the BJP for holding meetings with the Chinese Communist Party in New Delhi, questioning the optics of engagement while China allegedly asserts territorial claims and continues construction activity in the region.

Shrinate highlighted national security concerns, pointing to China’s past support for Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, incursions in Ladakh, and settlement activity in Arunachal Pradesh. She also accused sections of the media of remaining silent and demanded answers on any secret agreements between the BJP and China.

The BJP defended the meeting, describing it as routine inter-party dialogue. Vijay Chauthaiwale, head of the BJP’s Foreign Affairs Department, confirmed that a delegation led by Sun Haiyan, Vice Minister of the International Department of the CCP Central Committee, visited the BJP headquarters, with Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong also present.

The controversy has also revived memories of a 2008 MoU between the Congress and the CCP, which BJP leaders, including JP Nadda, had previously criticized as compromising national interests. Nadda had cited past instances, including the Doklam standoff and Rahul Gandhi’s embassy visit, as evidence of Congress undermining India-China relations.