Rahul Gandhi Calls for India-US Collaboration to Counter China’s Non-Democratic Production Model

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi emphasized the growing need for India and the United States to collaborate in offering the world an alternative to China’s “non-democratic production vision.” In his speech, Gandhi stressed that the two countries have an opportunity to challenge China’s dominance in global manufacturing by proposing a democratic approach to production that could benefit other nations.

During his discussion at the National Press Club in Washington DC, Gandhi expressed confidence in the bipartisan support that India-US relations enjoy. He mentioned that the relationship has strong backing in both countries, and there is little difference between the approach taken by the Congress party and that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration regarding these ties. “I don’t see ourselves changing direction very much from what he’s doing,” Gandhi said, adding that the same continuity applies to Vice-President Kamala Harris’ and former President Donald Trump’s positions on the bilateral relationship.

Rahul Gandhi’s trip to the United States is part of a three-day visit, beginning in Dallas, Texas. While in Washington, he held wide-ranging discussions at the National Press Club, addressing various topics, including the future of India-US cooperation, China’s rising influence, and domestic Indian politics. Earlier on Tuesday, Gandhi also met with several US lawmakers, including Indian-American representatives Ro Khanna and Shri Thanedar, progressive Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, and Congressman Brad Sherman.

Addressing the state of India-US relations, Gandhi outlined two key aspects. The first, he said, was defense cooperation, an area where he expressed satisfaction with the current status. The second issue, however, required greater attention, in Gandhi’s view. He highlighted the growing influence of China’s production model, which he described as a non-democratic system of prosperity. “China has placed in front of us a vision for production and prosperity in a non-democratic environment,” Gandhi remarked.

He questioned whether India and the US would sit idly by and let China become the world’s primary producer or whether they would respond with an alternative. “What is our response? Are we simply going to just sit there and say, okay, China can be the producer of the world and we’re not going to do anything? Or do we have a response? What is our response to the Belt and Road, right?” Gandhi inquired.

China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has been a central part of its strategy to expand global influence. However, the initiative has been criticized for its “predatory funding mechanisms,” which many argue lead developing nations into debt traps, jeopardizing their independence and sovereignty. Rahul Gandhi reiterated this concern, warning about the potential pitfalls of China’s economic expansion. “China’s Belt and Road Initiative traps needy countries by funding developments through extremely predatory funding mechanisms that compromise their independence and sovereignty,” he explained.

Gandhi argued that India and the US must find a way to offer a more democratic and inclusive vision for global production and manufacturing. “I don’t see one,” he said, referring to the current lack of a comprehensive strategy to counter China’s rise. “So to me, that’s really where US and India cooperation needs to go. How can we provide a democratic vision of production, of manufacturing that actually works to the rest of the world?” he asked.

In Gandhi’s view, both India and the US bring unique strengths to the table, which could form the basis of a strong partnership aimed at reshaping global production systems. “I think both countries bring different things to the table, and I think there’s a huge opportunity there,” he stated, suggesting that this cooperation could help democratize global prosperity.

In addition to international relations, Rahul Gandhi also addressed domestic political issues during his visit. When questioned about whether he would like to see the US exert pressure on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over domestic political matters, Gandhi strongly pushed back, asserting that India’s internal political struggles are for Indians to resolve. “The fight for democracy in India is an Indian fight. With all due respect, it (has) nothing to do with anybody else. It’s our problem, and we’ll take care of it,” he said.

This statement reflects Gandhi’s stance on India’s political independence, as he reaffirmed that external powers should not interfere in the country’s domestic challenges. His comments suggest a firm commitment to addressing political issues within the democratic framework of India, rather than relying on external intervention.

Rahul Gandhi’s remarks about the need for closer India-US cooperation come at a time when the geopolitical landscape is undergoing significant shifts. As China continues to expand its influence across Asia and Africa through its Belt and Road Initiative, countries like India and the US are seeking ways to counterbalance this rise. Gandhi’s emphasis on offering a democratic alternative to China’s production model aligns with growing concerns in Washington and New Delhi about China’s increasing global economic and political clout.

By calling for a collaborative effort to present a “democratic vision of production,” Rahul Gandhi highlights the potential for India and the US to work together in shaping the future of global trade and manufacturing. His comments suggest that such a partnership could challenge the dominance of China’s state-led model, which has been characterized by its non-democratic approach to governance and economic development.

Rahul Gandhi’s visit to the US and his speech at the National Press Club underscored the need for stronger cooperation between India and the US to present an alternative to China’s non-democratic production model. With the bipartisan support that the India-US relationship enjoys, and the shared interests of both countries in promoting a more democratic approach to global production, Gandhi believes that there is a significant opportunity for the two nations to work together in shaping a better future for the world. At the same time, he remains firm in his belief that India’s political issues should be addressed internally, without external interference.