New Delhi:
China and Pakistan officials reportedly bypassed India and met with Bhutan counterparts on two occasions to discuss Dokalam dispute recently. According to reports the discussion were held between Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit, Chinese Ambassador to India Luo Zhaohui and Bhutan's Ambassador to India Vetsop Namgyel on two different occasions in New Delhi.
The focus of the meetings was the current border stand-off at the India-Bhutan-China tri-junction, reports said.
The meeting signifies an accelerated efforts from the Beijing the set tone of the international discourse in its favour on the contentious issue of Sikkim standoff with India. Pakistan, experts say, is leveraging the crisis to extend relations with China and Bhutan.
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Reports suggest that even some diplomats tried to play down the meetings, Indian administration was keenly monitoring trilateral talks happening in New Delhi.
Border stand-off between Indian and Chinese troops continues at Dokalam pass with China setting preconditions of 'withdrawal' of Indian troops and with India also taking a firm stand that both sides should pull back.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, responding to queries in Parliament, had said, "India wants that all troops be removed from the tri-junction point before discussing the issue together. All countries, including Bhutan, are with us."
