Mumbai: Nationalist Congress Party president Sharad Pawar has said China is a “bigger threat to India” than Pakistan.
The former Defence Minister said that China’s military might is ten times greater than India and Beijing has weaned away India’s neighbours to its side.
In an interview to Shiv Sena mouthpiece ‘Saamana’, he said the Centre should try to put international pressure on China through negotiations and diplomatic channels.
“When we think of an enemy, the first name that comes to our mind is that of Pakistan. But we need not worry about Pakistan. In the long term,it is China that has the power, vision and programme to act against Indian interests. China is a bigger threat to India,” he said.
The real threat to India is from China which has become economically strong, he said and added: “By creating a picture of camaraderie, you can’t resolve issues between two countries.”
When asked about the clash between Chinese and Indian soldiers at Galwan Valley in Ladakh last month, Pawar said, “When I say there should be no politics over the issue, it is because we can attack them. But the entire country will have to pay a heavy price when there is retaliation to the attack.”
“Instead of striking, we should try to put international pressure on Chinathrough negotiations and diplomatic channels,” he stated. Pawar said China had turned not just Pakistan, but even countries like Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka against India.
“When Modi became Prime Minister for the first time, he went to Nepal to offer prayers at the Pashupatinath temple. Modi praised Nepal, calling it Indias friend and the first Hindu nation. Now Nepal is not with us, but on Chinas side,” he added.