Congress questions center over rising trade dependence on China

Congress raises China trade concerns

Dharamshala, September 16

Congress Himachal Pradesh spokesperson Sunil Barsain on Wednesday questioned the center over India’s growing trade deficit with China, saying the rising dependence on Chinese imports was a matter of concern.

Addressing a press conference in Dharamshala, Barsain said India’s imports from China rose from around  65 billion dollars in 2020-21 to nearly 132 billion dollars in 2025, while exports to China fell from around 21 billion dollars to 19.47 billion dollars during the period.

He said India’s trade deficit with China stood at around 115 billion dollars in 2025 and was estimated to reach nearly 135 billion dollars this year. He cited the figures to argue that India’s trade dependence on China has increased despite tensions between the two countries.

Referring to the Galwan Valley clash of June 15, 2020, Barsain said 20 Indian soldiers were killed in the confrontation with Chinese troops. He said expectations of the families of the soldiers who died continued to remain an issue of contention.

Barsain also referred to China’s participation in the BRICS summit and said the Chinese president’s visit to India after several years has brought renewed attention to bilateral relations and trade ties.

Speaking about his political career, Barsain said he had worked in various positions in the Congress organisation for the past 21 years and thanked journalists for helping communicate his views to the public since his student-politics days.

He also spoke about the Congress’ organisational infrastructure, claiming that in several states the party either lacked its own offices or operated from rented premises. In contrast, he referred to the expansion and modernisation of BJP and RSS offices in various states.

Barsain also alleged that restrictions were imposed on journalists and YouTubers trying to enter some of these offices.