In veiled attack at Rahul Gandhi in Rajya Sabha, Jaishankar dubs him 'China-guru'

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday took a swipe at senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, referring to him as “China-guru”.

Intervening in the special discussion on Operation Sindoor in the Rajya Sabha, Jaishankar said that the Congress leader “take private tuitions from Chinese ambassador”.

Jaishankar was referring to Rahul Gandhi’s remarks cautioning the government about growing China-Pakistan ties, adding that the 'China-guru' (Rahul) had been asleep during history class.

“Some people gained knowledge about China while attending Beijing Olympics. Let's not discuss who they met or what they signed... They also took private tuitions at their homes from the Chinese ambassador,” Jaishankar said.

“’China-guru’ say that Pakistan and China have close ties. We are aware of this and are addressing it. However, asserting that these ties developed overnight implies that they were sleeping during history class,” Jaishankar said.

He also underlined the past instances when the China and Pakistan relations were strengthened. He listed the years when Pakistan-China military ties commenced, the nuclear collaboration between them and the trade ties.

Jaishankar also referred to Congress-led-UPA’s 10-year tenure, stating that it was during this period that the government made China a strategic partner.

Responding to the Opposition’s questions on his visit to China, Jaishankar said he discussed terrorism, de-escalation and trade restrictions. “I did no secret meetings,” he added.