Rahul Gandhi's big warning on Pakistan-China nexus during Op Sindoor, says 'Pak officers embedded in PLA'

New Delhi, July 29, 2025 — Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has sounded a serious security alarm over growing strategic cooperation between Pakistan and China, particularly in the context of the Indian Army's ongoing high-altitude military drill, Operation Sindoor, in Ladakh. Addressing a gathering of ex-servicemen and defense analysts in New Delhi, Gandhi made the explosive claim that "Pakistani officers are embedded within China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA)" in strategically sensitive areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Op Sindoor: India’s Strategic Push Amid Tensions

Operation Sindoor, launched earlier this month, is a joint-military readiness drill undertaken by the Indian Army in eastern Ladakh to strengthen border infrastructure, simulate high-altitude warfare, and boost troop preparedness. The operation comes in response to persistent PLA build-up along the LAC and increasing surveillance over Indian posts.

Rahul Gandhi, who visited the region last week, said that the situation on the ground was “more volatile than previously acknowledged.” "We are no longer facing just one adversary at the LAC. The intelligence inputs and what I saw on the ground suggest a deep, covert alignment between the PLA and Pakistan's military intelligence apparatus," Gandhi stated.

Rahul Gandhi’s Security Concerns

According to Gandhi, inputs from credible intelligence sources and conversations with serving officers in Ladakh point to the presence of Pakistani military advisors and signals officers integrated into select PLA units stationed near the Galwan and Depsang sectors.

"Such deep coordination between our two adversaries alters the strategic equation. We are seeing a convergence of hostile intent and capability. India must prepare for a two-front hybrid war, not just in military terms, but also in information warfare and cyber intrusions,” Gandhi warned.

He added that the central government has downplayed these developments and is not taking “a holistic national security view.”

Reactions from Strategic Community

Defense experts and analysts have expressed mixed reactions to Gandhi’s statements. Lt Gen (Retd) Deependra Singh Hooda, former Northern Army Commander, said:

“Rahul Gandhi’s concerns should not be dismissed outright. There is historical precedent for Pakistan-China military cooperation, especially in PoK. But whether Pakistani officers are directly embedded within the PLA in combat zones needs further corroboration.”

Dr. Nandan Uniyal, a senior fellow at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, added:

“The line between traditional alliances and operational embedding is thin. Pakistan and China routinely share intelligence and training. Given their convergence of strategic goals against India, a joint operational cell isn’t far-fetched.”

However, government sources from the Ministry of Defence, requesting anonymity, stated that there was “no confirmed evidence” of Pakistani personnel officially serving within Chinese units, though “proxy intelligence sharing remains a concern.”

Political Ramifications

The BJP-led central government has accused Gandhi of “playing politics over national security.” Union Minister for Home Affairs, Amit Shah, countered the Congress leader's remarks, saying,

“This is not the time for fear-mongering. The Indian Army is fully aware of every movement across our borders. Our surveillance systems and counter-intelligence are robust. Rahul Gandhi should refrain from making unverified statements that demoralize our forces.”

Congress, however, has stood by its leader, demanding a full parliamentary briefing on the Pakistan-China nexus and the findings from Op Sindoor.

Market Implications and Investor Outlook

The geopolitical tension spotlighted by Gandhi’s remarks had immediate ripple effects on the stock market. The BSE Sensex dipped by 289 points, while defense-related stocks, such as HAL and Bharat Electronics, saw gains on expectations of increased defense spending.

Ankur Shah, defense sector analyst at Motilal Oswal, commented:

“Any credible threat perception involving China and Pakistan simultaneously will likely accelerate defense procurement and bolster domestic manufacturing. Investors should expect policy tailwinds for defense PSUs in the next quarter.”

Additionally, the Rupee weakened slightly against the US Dollar, touching 83.22 intraday, as foreign investors digested the possibility of long-term regional instability.

Broader Strategic Context

India’s relations with both China and Pakistan remain deeply strained. While military talks with China have failed to yield substantive disengagement since the 2020 Galwan clash, India continues to face cross-border threats from Pakistan-backed terror groups in Kashmir.

The purported presence of Pakistani officers in PLA units, if verified, could constitute a violation of international norms and provoke a sharp diplomatic response from New Delhi.

In recent months, Chinese infrastructure expansion along the LAC has raised alarm. Satellite imagery has shown new bunkers, forward posts, and all-weather roads in proximity to Indian posts. Simultaneously, Pakistan has resumed low-level military exercises near the Line of Control (LoC), increasing concerns of strategic coordination.

What Lies Ahead

Rahul Gandhi’s statement is likely to dominate political and strategic discourse in the coming days. The Defense Ministry may be compelled to issue clarifications or briefings to allay public fears. The Congress party is reportedly pushing for a closed-door session of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defense.

For now, Op Sindoor continues, with Indian forces simulating hostile incursions and conducting tri-service drills. Whether Gandhi’s claims gain official backing or are downplayed as political rhetoric, they have already reignited a national conversation about India’s preparedness in a volatile neighborhood.