Trade with China risen by 50% despite aggression: Kejriwal

NEW DELHI, JAN 25 (PTI): Despite Chinese aggression, India’s trade with Beijing has increased by 50 per cent, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said in an apparent swipe at the BJP-led Centre, and called for a boycott of China to send out a strong message.

Addressing a Republic Day function organised by the Delhi government at Chhatrasal Stadium here, Kejriwal alleged that China is procuring more weapons to use against India with the very money it earns doing trade with us.

“A leading newspaper today reported that China has occupied some of our land. This is worrisome for every Indian. Our soldiers are bravely facing China at the border and it is our duty to support them in this fight.

“It is our duty to boycott China and send out a strong message,” he said at the event.

The Chief Minister asked the central government what action it took against China’s incursions into Indian territory and allegedly even occupying some of our land.

“On one hand China is occupying our land and on the other hand we are increasing our trade with China,” he said, as he went on to list the items both countries traded in for billions of dollars. are being awarded for their gallant action, the statement from the ministry of home affairs (MHA) said.

“In 2020, we bought materials and products worth 65 billion dollars from China and in 2021 it increased to 95 billion dollars -- almost a 50 per cent increase. We are only making China richer and giving them more money. They are buying more weapons, recruiting more soldiers using our money to harm us,” Kejriwal said.

The Aam Aadmi Party leader suggested India should set up manufacturing units for items it imports from China and boycott Chinese goods.

“We are purchasing items like slippers, figurines, and mattresses from China. Why cannot we manufacture these in India?” he asked, saying that the move will only create jobs for youths.

The country’s largest paramilitary force, the Cen- tral Reserve Police Force (CRPF), got the highest 48 PMGs followed by 31 from the Maharashtra Police, 25 from the J-K Police, nine from the Jharkhand Police, seven each from the Delhi Police, the Chhattisgarh Police and the Border Security Force (BSF), it said.

No President’s Police Medal for Gallantry (PPMG), the top category of bravery decorations among the police forces, has been awarded. The decorations also include 93 President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service (PPM) and 668 Police Medal for Meritorious Service (PM). The PMG is awarded on the ground of conspicuous gallantry in saving life and property, or in preventing crime or arresting criminals, the statement said.

Dated.24.01.2023.

Sd/Registrar i/c DC-99/23