In response to the controversy surrounding Sam Pitroda's comments on China, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh explained that the Congress party does not share the same views as Pitroda. The Congress leader took to X to clarify that Sam Pitroda's views do not represent the stance of the Indian National Congress (INC), especially when it comes to China’s role in India’s foreign policy and security issues.

“The views reportedly expressed by Sam Pitroda on China are most definitely NOT the views of the Indian National Congress. China remains our foremost foreign policy, external security, as well as economic challenge," Jairam Ramesh stated in an X post. "The INC has repeatedly raised questions on the Modi Goverment's approach to China, including the PM's public clean chit to it on June 19, 2020. Our most recent statement on China was on 28th January, 2025. It is also extremely regrettable that Parliament is being denied an opportunity to discuss the situation and express a collective resolve to meet these challenges effectively," he further added. 

Sam Pitroda, the head of Congress' overseas unit, recently stated that the threat from China, which shares a border with India and is a nuclear-armed neighbour, is often exaggerated. He also suggested that India should stop viewing Beijing as an enemy. “I don't understand the threat from China. I think this issue is often blown out of proportion because the US tends to define an enemy. I believe the time has come for all nations to collaborate, not confront. Our approach has been confrontational from the very beginning, and this attitude creates enemies, which in turn garners support within the country. We need to change this mindset and stop assuming that China is the enemy from day one,” Sam Pitroda told news agency IANS in an interview. 

However, the BJP quickly responded to Sam Pitroda's reported comments, saying that his views represent the Congress party's position. At a press conference, BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi stated that Pitroda’s remarks reflect the Congress mindset. He called it a blow to India's reputation and claimed that Pitroda's comments suggest India is the aggressor. 

Meanwhile, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi faced grave criticism for displaying a banned Chinese drone in a social media video. In the video, he mentioned that India needs a "strong production base" to make drones and "not just empty words." "Drones are not just one technology, they are bottom-up innovations produced by a strong industrial system. Unfortunately, PM Modi has failed to grasp this. While he delivers ‘teleprompter’ speeches on AI, our competitors are mastering new technologies. India needs a strong production base, not empty words," he said in his Sunday post on X. The Congress leader also mentioned in the video that India does not produce any components used in drones and lacks knowledge about optics. 

Smit Shah, president of the Drone Federation India (DFI), criticised Rahul Gandhi for disparaging "India's drone industry while proudly showcasing a banned Chinese DJI drone" after the Congress leader's video went viral. Since 2022, India has banned drones made by DJI Technology Company Limited, which is based in Shenzhen. Shah also dismissed Rahul Gandhi's statements, mentioning that there are over 400 companies in India that currently manufacture various types of drones. "And not only this, there are also more than 50 companies that manufacture drone components, including batteries, propellers, flight controllers and motors. To just make a blanket criticism of the Indian ecosystem having no understanding of how to make drone components is very wrong when so much is already happening in the country," he suggested.

"The industry is still in its nascent stage and a lot has to be done, but armchair criticism with zero tangible suggestions won’t help. Collective efforts of industry players, academia, and policymakers are truly remarkable." Additionally, he shared a video explaining why Rahul Gandhi's comments were "off the mark."

In another post on X, the DFI chief asked Rahul Gandhi a few questions. He inquired about how he acquired the drone, despite it being banned in the country, and whether he had the Remote Pilot Certificate needed to operate the drone. "His video raises serious concerns. DJI drones are banned in India since 2022. How was this drone acquired? Drone Rules 2021 mandate all drones be registered on DigitalSky. Was this? Operating a drone requires a Remote Pilot Certificate. Did he have one? His residence & office is likely in red zone. Did he get clearance from MoCA/MHA before flying the drone? Do the rules not apply to him? Or does he just not care," he posted. 

In addition to Smit Shah, Rahul Gandhi was pushed to "stop his fake narrative to pull India down" by former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai. "Pl check whether he is using Indian Drones or Chinese made Drones? What brand is this? India is the 5th largest Industrial manufacturing country globally today, 2nd largest steel producer, 2nd largest cement, 3 largest automobile producer, largest 2W manufacturer, 2nd largest mobile phone producer, 3rd largest power producer,' he said in a post on X. "Much of this in last 10 years. Pl stop this fake narrative and trying to pull India down."