Quiet Diplomacy Underway? India and Pakistan Hold Secret Meetings Amid Tensions

New Delhi: Amidst the long-running tension between India and Pakistan, reports of back-channel talks have now come to light. According to reports, at least two secret meetings have taken place between representatives of the two countries in the last three months. Retired military officers and former diplomats participated in these meetings.

It is being told that these meetings took place in the capital of Qatar and another country in Asia. Although these are not being considered as formal talks, they are being seen as an effort for dialogue between the two countries.

Is NSA Ajit Doval also involved in this process?

According to the report, information about this back-channel contact has also been given to the office of India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and the National Security Council Secretariat. Sources say that Pakistan's side has also expressed desire to continue the talks.

Why is the need for talks being felt?

According to sources, the main objective of this initiative is to prevent the situation from going out of control in case of any major terrorist attack or military tension between the two countries. At present, the only official means of regular contact between India and Pakistan is the weekly hotline conversation at the DGMO level. In such a situation, back-channel communication is being considered an alternative to direct contact in times of crisis.

Is India changing its policy?

India has consistently said that “terror and talks cannot go together.” However, the report said that the government is considering back-channel contacts as separate from formal talks.

It is being seen as a mechanism where direct dialogue between the two countries can be possible if needed.

Why is the current situation of Pakistan considered important?

The report also says that Pakistan is currently playing an active role in the politics of West Asia. The influence of Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir is believed to be stronger than before. In such a situation, India wants to ensure that in case of any possible crisis, the path of communication is not completely closed.

Have such secret conversations happened before too?

Back-channel talks between India and Pakistan are not new. According to the report, between 2015 and 2018, several secret meetings took place between NSA Ajit Doval and his Pakistani counterparts.