Answer

Introduction

India-Pakistan dialogue has remained suspended since 2016 following the Pathankot and Uri terror attacks, with subsequent incidents such as Pulwama (2019) and culminating in the April 22, 2025 Pahalgam massacre which triggered Operation Sindoor—the intense May 2025 Four-Day War. However, as two nuclear-armed neighbours, complete absence of communication carries significant risks. In this context, functional dialogue on non-territorial issues and Track-II diplomacy can provide limited but meaningful avenues for confidence-building.

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Feasibility of Functional Dialogue on Non-Territorial Issues

• Focus on common developmental challenges : Dialogue on issues affecting citizens can avoid politically sensitive territorial disputes.
  Eg: Cooperation on climate change and air pollution can address shared concerns such as crop-residue burning and cross-border pollution.
• Nuclear stability and crisis communication : Maintaining communication channels is essential to prevent escalation due to miscalculation.
  Eg: During the accidental BrahMos missile launch incident, military channels helped prevent escalation.
• Humanitarian and economic cooperation : Limited engagement can rebuild institutional trust without compromising core security concerns.
• Regional challenges require cooperation : Terrorism, climate stress, and water insecurity cannot be effectively managed through complete diplomatic isolation.

Role and Limitations of Track-II Diplomacy

• Creating alternative communication channels : Track-II enables dialogue among former officials, academics, and civil society when official channels remain frozen.
• Building societal trust : Non-government exchanges can reduce hostility and promote mutual understanding.
• Cannot substitute state-level action : Track-II lacks authority to implement agreements or resolve security disputes.
  Eg: Previous peace initiatives were repeatedly disrupted by terror attacks, including Pathankot (2016) and Pulwama (2019).
• Risk of dialogue without accountability : Engagement without credible action against terrorism may create political and security concerns for India.

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Way forward

• Terrorism must remain central to engagement : Dialogue requires verifiable action against cross-border terrorism. India has consistently linked normalisation with dismantling terror infrastructure.
• Issue-based gradual engagement : Begin with functional cooperation before addressing contentious political issues.
  Eg: Climate, health, and environmental cooperation can serve as confidence-building measures.
• Institutionalised communication mechanisms : Maintain military and diplomatic hotlines to manage crises.
• Balanced stakeholder engagement : Recognise Pakistan’s internal political complexities while engaging with institutions capable of delivering commitments.

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Conclusion

Functional dialogue and Track-II diplomacy cannot by themselves resolve the India-Pakistan conflict, but they can prevent further deterioration and create conditions for cooperation. A pragmatic approach combining security assurances, issue-based engagement, and sustained communication channels offers a realistic pathway towards durable peace while safeguarding India’s core interests.

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