Chinese Communist Party delegation meets BJP and RSS; Congress questions timing, calls it hypocrisy

A delegation of the Chinese Communist Party (CPC) held meetings with senior leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in New Delhi, triggering sharp political reactions from the Indian National Congress, which termed the engagement “hypocrisy”.

The CPC delegation met BJP leaders at the party headquarters, followed by a separate interaction with RSS functionaries. According to people familiar with the meetings, the discussions focused on maintaining dialogue and improving communication between political organisations.

The RSS described the interaction as a courtesy call, stating that it has historically remained open to meeting individuals and delegations from diverse ideologies. Senior RSS leaders said the delegation had expressed interest in understanding the organisation’s functioning, adding that similar engagements had taken place in the past as well.

BJP leaders also characterised the meeting as routine diplomatic outreach, noting that political-level interactions have increased following recent high-level engagements between India and China. Party functionaries said the focus remained on dialogue rather than policy decisions.

Congress raises objections

The Congress, however, questioned the timing and intent of the meetings, particularly in light of ongoing border sensitivities and China’s recent assertions over disputed territories. Party leaders accused the BJP of maintaining double standards, recalling that it had earlier criticised the Congress for engaging with the CPC while now holding similar interactions itself. Congress leaders also demanded transparency, asking the government to clarify what was discussed during the closed-door meetings and whether India’s national interests were adequately safeguarded. They cited continued tensions along the Line of Actual Control and raised concerns over China’s economic and strategic activities in the region.

The development has added a fresh layer to the ongoing political debate over India–China relations, with opposition parties pressing the government to explain its diplomatic posture while the ruling party maintains that dialogue remains a necessary component of international engagement.