China's Delegation Meets BJP, RSS Amid Row Over Shaksgam Valley Claims

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A high-level delegation from China's Communist Party has sparked controversy in India after meeting senior leaders of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The delegation, led by Vice-Minister Sun Haiyan, met BJP leaders at the party headquarters on Tuesday, a day after a courtesy call on RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale. The meetings come amid tensions between India and China over the latter's claim on the Shaksgam Valley in Jammu and Kashmir. While BJP leaders described the meetings as 'courtesy calls' aimed at enhancing dialogue, the Congress party has accused the ruling party of hypocrisy, citing China's claim on the Shaksgam Valley just hours after the closed-door meeting. Congress leader Pawan Khera questioned the timing and intent of the meeting, saying that the BJP had selectively 'weaponised' such meetings against the Congress while avoiding accountability for its own engagements. The Congress leader also raised concerns over China's actions along the Line of Actual Control, citing the Galwan Valley clash in 2020 and the continued construction activity in disputed territories. He accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being afraid of China and failing to address the issue of Chinese trade and investment in India. The meetings have sparked a heated debate in India, with many questioning the government's approach to China and the role of non-state players like the RSS in influencing state policy. The controversy comes amid reports of diplomatic activities picking up pace between India and China, following a meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the BRICS summit last year.