Congress Demands Parliamentary Debate on China's Role in Pakistan's Operation Sindoor

The Indian National Congress on Saturday demanded an urgent discussion in Parliament over China's confirmed technical support to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, a four-day military confrontation in May 2025. The demand follows Chinese state broadcaster CCTV's airing of an interview with Zhang Heng, an engineer from the Aviation Industry Corporation of China's Chengdu Aircraft Design and Research Institute, who acknowledged providing on-site assistance to the Pakistani Air Force.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh questioned the Modi government's policy toward China, citing the role of Chinese engineers in enhancing Pakistan's combat capabilities during the conflict. He referenced a prior disclosure by Lieutenant General Rahul Singh on July 4, 2025, which had revealed China's real-time involvement, and challenged the government on why it has eased trade restrictions and deepened industrial reliance on Chinese imports despite the strategic threat.

Ramesh also criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 2020 statement absolving China of aggression in Ladakh, arguing it weakened India's diplomatic stance. He raised concerns over the loss of Indian patrolling rights in Ladakh and the government's silence on China's support to Pakistan, calling for parliamentary scrutiny of national security and foreign policy decisions.

Pakistan operates Chinese-made J-10CE fighter jets, produced by an AVIC subsidiary, and has long relied on Beijing for defense technology. The CCTV report, cited by the South China Morning Post, marks the first official acknowledgment of direct Chinese technical involvement during a conflict between India and Pakistan.

The Congress party has urged the government to brief Parliament on the implications of China's actions and its broader strategy toward Beijing. The Speaker's office is expected to consider the request for a special session in the coming days.