Shiv Sena UBT MP Sanjay Raut Urges PM Modi to Press China for Return of Indian Territory

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Saturday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to directly raise the border issue with Chinese President Xi Jinping and ask Beijing to withdraw from areas in Ladakh and Galwan that India has alleged were affected by Chinese intrusion. Speaking at a press conference, Raut questioned the progress in India-China relations despite 25 rounds of discussions between the two countries over the past two years. He asked what tangible improvement these talks had brought to bilateral ties, arguing that continued diplomatic engagement should also address India's concerns over the border situation.

Raut said Prime Minister Modi should use Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to India to clearly communicate New Delhi's position on the disputed areas. He called for China to withdraw from the areas in Ladakh and Galwan that India considers to have been intruded upon and demanded the return of what he described as Indian territory.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader also spoke about Iranian President's visit to India, describing it as significant. He praised Iran for maintaining what he characterized as a strong and independent position while dealing with Israel and the United States. Raut contrasted this approach with China and the US, describing both countries primarily in terms of their economic and commercial interests.

His comments came as Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in New Delhi to attend the 18th BRICS Summit. Xi received a ceremonial welcome, with cultural performers from India's northeastern region and other states presenting traditional dance performances. Xi's delegation includes Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, is accompanying Xi during the visit.

Xi Jinping is also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his stay in New Delhi. The meeting is being closely watched because of the broader significance of India-China relations and continuing discussions concerning the border. The Chinese president's visit is taking place alongside the 18th BRICS Summit, where leaders of major emerging economies are discussing issues related to global governance, trade, finance, technology, development and cooperation among countries of the Global South.

BRICS has increasingly become an important platform for emerging economies to coordinate positions on international economic and political issues. Its discussions cover areas ranging from economic development and financial cooperation to technology, trade and people-to-people exchanges.

Against this backdrop, the Modi-Xi engagement is expected to attract particular attention, with border issues remaining an important component of the wider India-China relationship. Raut's remarks have further highlighted the political pressure on the government to ensure that India's territorial concerns remain part of its engagement with Beijing.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.