India maintains diplomatic silence as China continues belligerent rhetoric
While China continues its belligerent rhetoric over the Sikkim Standoff, India continues to hold its tongue. On Friday, India's Ministry of External Affairs refused to confirm or deny whether New Delhi received advanced notice from China over its road construction, and how it responded. This comes after Chinese diplomats told journalists in Delhi that Beijing had informed India about the project in May.
MEA: 'Neither confirming nor denying China's claims'
When questioned about China's claims over the road construction, foreign ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said: "I am not ready to go into details of diplomatic interactions. I am neither confirming nor denying, but just saying that I don't want to go into details."
India dismisses war talk, says will continue engagement with China
When asked about potential war, Baglay said India will continue engaging with China through diplomatic channels. China contends India has no right to interfere in Doklam since it isn't Indian territory and the dispute is between China and Bhutan. China has also said if Bhutan has asked for Indian assistance. India however, is a security guarantor for Bhutan.
India: Acting as per mutual interests with Bhutan
Baglay reiterated the Indian government's June 30 statement that it has a "tradition of maintaining close consultations on matters of mutual interests" with Bhutan. Under this, Indian troops deployed in the general Doklam area "approached the Chinese construction party and urged them to desist from changing the status quo." India said earlier it's in constant touch with Bhutan over the issue.
