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New Delhi | January 13, 2026: A meeting between senior leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a delegation from the Communist Party of China (CPC) in New Delhi on Monday has triggered sharp political reactions, coming at a time when India continues to raise concerns over China’s activities along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), particularly in Arunachal Pradesh.
The Chinese delegation was led by Sun Haiyan, Vice Minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the CPC. The discussions were held at the BJP headquarters and focused on strengthening inter-party dialogue and improving channels of political communication between the two parties. The Indian side was represented by a BJP delegation headed by the party’s General Secretary, Arun Singh. Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong was also present during the interaction.
As part of the same political outreach programme, the CPC delegation is also scheduled to meet senior leadership of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Tuesday, January 13, according to sources familiar with the visit.
According to BJP’s foreign affairs department in-charge Vijay Chauthaiwale, the talks centred on institutional engagement between political parties rather than diplomatic negotiations between governments. He stated that such exchanges are part of established political outreach mechanisms and are aimed at maintaining communication during periods of strained bilateral relations.
However, the meeting drew criticism from the Congress, which questioned the timing and optics of the engagement. Congress leader Supriya Shrinate accused the ruling party of sending mixed signals at a time when India has repeatedly expressed concern over China’s actions along the border. She pointed to reports of China establishing new settlements in areas claimed by India in Arunachal Pradesh and recalled Beijing’s stance during previous military stand-offs.
Shrinate said the meeting raised serious questions about political accountability, particularly in light of the Galwan clash of 2020, China’s backing of Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, and continued friction in eastern Ladakh. She also criticised sections of the media for not pressing the government for clarity on the purpose and outcome of the interaction.
The BJP, however, rejected allegations of inconsistency, reiterating that party-to-party contacts do not dilute India’s official position on sovereignty or territorial integrity. Party leaders maintained that India’s stance on Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh remains firm and non-negotiable, and that diplomatic and military preparedness continues independently of political exchanges.
The development has reopened a broader debate over political engagement with foreign parties amid unresolved border disputes, highlighting the delicate balance between dialogue and deterrence in India–China relations.
