The statement is just domestic politics.
But you are right: It is true that for decades after Independence, India had literally mass starvation episodes. I think even into the 1970s news would come out from India of grave food crises. Very sad. But, yes, it was Nehru who saw a really weak China and a strong Western backing and started the Forward Policy. While India may have been in the Soviet Camp most of the Cold War, the West would always support any non-communist country against a communist country. Nehru made a historic blunder then. Then BJP openly called China the greatest enemy of India after India tested its nukes in 1998. Then barely 2-3 years ago, BJP openly laid claimed on Aksai Chin, on top India's association in the Quad and threatening China's land connection with Pakistan and CPEC projects.
Some major miscalculations by both Congress and BJP leaders otherwise China was happy to keep the status quo. And as the gap between the two countries keeps widening I don't think China will ever trust India. China is beyond the previous status quo equations anyway.