Informal Dialogues Between India and Pakistan Amidst Rising Tensions
New Initiatives for Dialogue
Despite ongoing tensions and sharp exchanges between New Delhi and Islamabad, key figures from both nations have recently initiated informal dialogues. Experts in strategic affairs, former diplomats, retired military officials, media representatives, and academics participated in the latest round of Track II discussions held in Colombo and Bangkok. The primary aim of these meetings was to maintain open channels of communication during crises and to explore measures for managing tensions.
Government Awareness of Meetings
Sources indicate that while these discussions were not officially sanctioned, both governments were aware of the meetings. Prior to the recent gathering in Colombo, similar dialogues had taken place in Bangkok, Doha, and several other capitals in West Asia. Following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in May 2025 and subsequent military confrontations, a series of informal meetings have been ongoing.
Sensitive Topics Discussed
During these discussions, sensitive issues such as terrorism, water disputes, and border tensions were openly addressed. Both sides also contemplated how suggestions arising from Track II dialogues could be transitioned into formal Track I negotiations, where government officials engage directly.
Recent Statements from RSS Leaders
Notably, this development comes at a time when Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, and Dattatreya Hosabale, the organization's general secretary, emphasized the importance of keeping communication channels open between India and Pakistan. The RSS leaders highlighted the need for maintaining contact between the peoples of both nations. However, experts in New Delhi believe that despite the continuation of Track II dialogues, the likelihood of formal government talks resuming in the near future remains low.
Current State of India-Pakistan Relations
It is important to note that relations between India and Pakistan have been extremely strained since the conflict in May 2025. India has consistently maintained that meaningful dialogue with Pakistan is not possible as long as terrorism persists. Additionally, relations have further cooled since 2019, with trade nearly nonexistent, diplomatic missions operating at limited capacity, and significantly reduced people-to-people contact.
Historical Context of Bilateral Talks
Historically, India and Pakistan engaged in regular discussions on eight major issues, including peace and security, confidence-building measures, Jammu and Kashmir, Siachen, the Wular Barrage, Sir Creek, economic cooperation, terrorism, and drug trafficking. However, this process was halted following the Mumbai terrorist attacks in November 2008. Talks resumed in 2011 but were again suspended after the killing of Indian soldiers along the Line of Control in January 2013.
Attempts to Revive Dialogue
In December 2015, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Lahore, both countries agreed to restart comprehensive bilateral talks. However, a series of terrorist attacks, including the one at the Pathankot Air Force base in 2016, derailed this process. Since then, formal dialogue between the two nations has been completely stalled for nearly thirteen years.
Significance of Track II Initiatives
Nevertheless, the current Track II initiatives suggest that influential groups in both countries are seeking ways to foster dialogue and manage tensions, even amidst frozen official relations. While both governments remain publicly silent on these meetings, these informal efforts are viewed as a significant step towards maintaining stability in South Asia.