India-Pakistan Backchannel Talks Resume? Terrorism, Water Disputes Among Key Issues Discussed

New Delhi: Even though the official level talks between India and Pakistan have been stalled for a long time, the efforts for communication between the two countries through backchannels, i.e., 'Track-2 Diplomacy' seem to be gaining momentum once again. According to media reports, recently several rounds of informal meetings were held in Sri Lanka's capital Colombo and Thailand's capital Bangkok between former diplomats, security experts, academicians and strategic affairs experts of the two countries. Issues like terrorism, Indus Water Treaty, reducing tension on the border and preventing future military conflicts were discussed in these meetings. This initiative has come at a time when relations between the two countries remain extremely tense after the Pahalgam terrorist attack.

What is Track-2 Diplomacy?

Track-2 diplomacy is such informal negotiations in which current representatives of the government are not involved. Instead, retired diplomats, former military officers, policy experts, academicians and experts on strategic matters participate. The objective of these meetings is to maintain dialogue between the two countries and prepare such suggestions which can be used as the basis for formal talks in future. According to reports, similar number of delegates participated in the recent meetings also.

Which issues were discussed the most?

The greatest emphasis in the meetings was on terrorism and cross-border violence. Apart from this, disputes related to Indus Water Treaty, arrangements for maintaining dialogue in crisis situations, measures to reduce military tension and confidence-building measures to prevent any future conflict were also discussed. Both sides also discussed how the suggestions emerging from informal talks could be taken to official talks in future.

Will this open the way for official talks?

Experts believe that the purpose of Track-2 talks is not to reach any agreement but to create such an environment in which formal talks can be possible in the future. However, in the current circumstances, there remains a big difference in the stance of the two countries on issues like terrorism, border security and confidence building. Therefore, at the moment it is too early to say that talks will start at the official level after these meetings.

What could happen next?

Diplomatic experts believe that if such informal meetings continue, some practical suggestions may emerge to reduce tension in future. However, the direction of any formal talks will depend on the political decisions and security situation of both countries. At present, these meetings held in Colombo and Bangkok have definitely indicated that the doors of dialogue have not been completely closed, but the real key to open them is still in the hands of both the governments.