Jaishankar-Bilawal did not meet in SCO: Foreign ministers of both countries were sitting at a distance of 1 foot; PAK media claim - back-channel talks started

Posted on 1st Aug 2022 by rohit kumar

The conflict between India and Pakistan continues. The foreign ministers of both countries were present at the meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. On one occasion, our External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and the Foreign Minister of Pakistan were present in the adjacent seats. Despite this, far from having a conversation, there was no prayer or salute between the two.

 

Foreign ministers of all the eight member countries of the SCO were present at the meeting. Jaishankar met foreign ministers of 7 countries on the sidelines of the summit but did not even make eye contact with Bilawal. On the other hand, it is being claimed in the Pakistan media that back-channel talks have started between India and Pakistan.

 

the snow was expected to melt

 

According to Pakistan's newspaper 'The Dawn', talks between Jaishankar and Bilawal were expected in Tashkent. Bilawal took over in April. After this, both were together for the first time on any platform. It was believed that Bilawal would initiate talks with India to save the country going through a very difficult economic situation, but it did not happen.

 

Surprisingly, even when the Uzbek President hosted the dinner of all the foreign ministers, Bilawal and Jaishankar sat separately. Jaishankar interacted with everyone except the Pakistani Foreign Minister.

 

only one foot away

 

Bilawal was sitting on the seat immediately next to the chair on which Jaishankar was sitting during the summit. There was no one else between the two. Despite this, the two leaders did not even make eye contact. Even during the group photo, the distance between the two was not more than 5 feet. Here all the foreign ministers shook hands, but Jaishankar and Zardari stood separately.

 

Bilawal had said in a statement after assuming office in April – unless India restores Articles 370 and 35-A in Kashmir, talks with him are difficult. However, the demand is rising in Pakistan itself that if inflation is to be reduced in Pakistan, then trade with India will have to be restored.

 

Back channel diplomacy game

 

According to Pakistan's Strategic Affairs Expert and Journalist Dr. Qamar Cheema, back-channel diplomatic talks have started between India and Pakistan. Dubai has been chosen for this. Cheema said- Pakistan's government is not talking openly with India due to the pressure of fundamentalists. However, she knows very well that without starting trade with India, she cannot improve the economic condition of the country. If not today or tomorrow, Pakistan will have to resume trade relations with India.

 

Cheema further says – Tension is also between India and China, but there is an annual trade of $ 125 billion between the two. Can't we do the same? India is in a very strong position, and we are desperate to save our existence.

 

Also Read: Exclusive: India-Pakistan Foreign Minister met for the first time after the new government in Pakistan, there was scope for improvement in relations

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