Imran welcomed by Kyrgyz premier, Modi by deputy

Disparity in diplomatic protocol to Pakistan, India PMs in Bishkek raises many eyebrows

KARACHI:

Disparity in diplomatic protocol given to Prime Minister Imran Khan and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi at the 19th meeting of the Council of the Heads of State of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Bishkek has raised many eyebrows in India.

Upon arrival in the Kyrgyzstan capital, PM Imran was welcomed by Prime Minister Mukhammedkalyi Abylgaziev while Modi was received by the deputy prime minister of the country.

Ashok Swain, a professor of peace and conflict research at a European university, asked his social media followers the reasons behind the difference in treatment the two leaders received in the Central Asian state. In response, some really ‘insightful’ commentary was made on the post.

‘PM Imran, Modi exchange pleasantries in Bishkek’

“India's population is 1 billion more than Pakistan and India's economy is $8 trillion more than Pakistan –struggling to find the reasons why India’s ‘Great Leader’ Narendra Modi was received by the Deputy PM and Pakistan's PM Imran Khan was received by the PM of Kyrgyzstan,” he wrote in a tweet.

“Possibly because they were sure Indian media won't know if it's the PM or [his] deputy receiving him. We are only obsessed with Modi. Remember the PM of Bhutan incident during swearing in?” one user wrote in response.

“Maybe it was cloudy weather and the host country thought Modi cannot see through the clouds lets bluff him,” wrote another one, referring to the Indian premier’s bizarre ‘radar and clouds’ comments on Balakot incident.

Maybe it was cloudy weather and the host country thought modi cannot see through the clouds lets bluff him.

— Ammena Noor Marwat. (@marwat27826) June 14, 2019 ">

Maybe it was cloudy weather and the host country thought modi cannot see through the clouds lets bluff him.

— Ammena Noor Marwat. (@marwat27826) June 14, 2019

“Correction Indian economy is just about 2.5 trillion dollars (GDP),” a Twitterati tried to teach the professor.

Correction indian economy is just about 2.5 trillion dollars ( gdp)

— Varinder Anand (@varinderanand) June 14, 2019 ">

Correction indian economy is just about 2.5 trillion dollars ( gdp)

— Varinder Anand (@varinderanand) June 14, 2019

Another user compared ‘accolades’ the two leaders have won in their ‘decorated’ careers.

@ImranKhanPTI is widely regarded as the man of integrity, commitment, incredible philanthropist, Oxford graduate, a cricket legend & widely regarded as the greatest cricket captain of all time, has been the chancellor of Bradford university.

&

Modi is famous as Gujarat butcher!

— Planet (@PlanetOfX) June 14, 2019 ">

@ImranKhanPTI is widely regarded as the man of integrity, commitment, incredible philanthropist, Oxford graduate, a cricket legend & widely regarded as the greatest cricket captain of all time, has been the chancellor of Bradford university.

&

Modi is famous as Gujarat butcher!

— Asif Javed (@asifjavedoffic1) June 14, 2019

Earlier while addressing the formal session of the 19th meeting of the Council of the Heads of State of SCO in Bishkek, Prime Minister Imran stressed the importance of the SCO in a multipolar world.

The premier stated the world is standing at a crossroads and the “advent of a multipolar global order” is being witnessed.

PM Imran stresses upon SCO’s role in multipolar world

PM Imran also reiterated Pakistan’s importance due to its geographical location and stressed upon the “vital connectivity” the country provides in the region.

PM Imran also met Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the summit. He is also expected to have a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin after having an informal talk with him a day before.

The prime minister and Putin also engaged in conversation during lunch at the summit.