TRUMP OFFERS TO HELP INDIA, CHINA RESOLVE ’VERY NASTY’ STANDOFF

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has again expressed his readiness to “help” India and China resolve their border standoff, which he described as “very nasty”, repeating an offer that has previously been rejected by New Delhi.

In May, the external affairs ministry tacitly turned down Trump’s offer to mediate on the issue by saying India was directly engaged with China to peacefully resolve the standoff.

“While we’re at it, we’re talking about China and India are going at it pretty good on the border, as you know. It’s been very nasty,” Trump told reporters on Friday at a White House briefing. “We stand ready to help with respect to China and India, if we can do anything we would love to get involved and help. And we are talking to both countries about that.”

Trump expressed confidence that Indian-Americans will vote for him in the November 3 presidential election, citing the “incredible” turnout at the “Howdy Modi” event in Houston last September. “We have great support from India. We have great support from Prime Minister Modi,” he said.

NEW DELHI: The BJP on Saturday cited a Chinese newspaper report to hit out at the Congress, alleging that India’s enemies were using the opposition party to take aim at the country.

This is a classic definition of “anti-India stand”, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said at a news briefing. Hitting back at the BJP, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the Chinese have dared to “intrude” into our territory but the ruling party questions those who raise questions. Earlier, Global Times had tweeted: “PM Narendra Modi and the BJP face huge pressure amid border tensions with China, as the Indian National Congress is waiting for a chance to shake the BJP’s rule by heavily criticizing failed domestic governance and risky foreign policy: expert.” Patra said the report seems to underline China’s frustration over the LAC row.