Image: Quintype
Pakistan’s envoy Abdul Basit has learned to have met the Chinese and Bhutanese envoys in New Delhi this week, after a month into the border standoff between India and China at the tri-junction with Bhutan. Though it is not uncommon for the envoys to meet in, the timing of these meetings has raised questions in South Block.
Two meetings were arranged on Basit’s request. The first meeting between Basit, who may leave for Islamabad soon, and Chinese ambassador Luo Zhaohui took place Wednesday. A day later, on Thursday, the Pakistan High Commissioner met Bhutan’s ambassador Major General Vetsop Namgyel.
However, all three are tightlipped on the meetings.
One of them told The Indian Express, “What (is the) issue? Diplomats meet routinely.” Asked if the Doklam issue was discussed at the meeting, he said, “We discuss all issues.”
These meetings were observed by South Block, which is keeping a close eye on the developments within the diplomatic circuit.