After Kapil Sibal's comments, Anand Sharma veers off Congress script

Sharma criticises move to reject RCEP; Khurshid takes aim at rebels for speaking against party

Senior Congress leader Anand Sharma on Tuesday described India’s decision of not joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) as “unfortunate and ill advised”, asserting that it was in the country’s strategic and economic interests to be a part of the process of Asia-Pacific integration.

His remarks assume significance as last year after India had decided not to join the RCEP, the Congress had claimed victory, saying its forceful opposition ensured that the BJP government backs out from bartering the interests of farmers, dairy producers, fishermen and small and medium businessmen.

“India's decision of not joining Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is