International Relations
India, Pakistan revive Track II dialogue for the first time since Pulwama attack: Report
For the first time since the Pulwama attack, India and Pakistan have revived Track II diplomacy with a meet in Islamabad, reported the Economic Times.
According to the report, the two-day talks will be attended by Pakistani foreign ministry officials along with former envoys of both countries among others.
The second round of Track II talks — or, informal and unofficial back channel diplomacy — will be held in Delhi, the report added.
The Track II dialogue has been organised by the Regional Peace Institute (RPI), Pakistan.
ET while quoting RPI chief Raoof Hasan said “that it is a way forward for improving relations between the two governments, which have been lukewarm after the high-tension standoff following India’s airstrike in Balakot”.
“The original Track-II initiative — the Neemrana Dialogue —was first held in 1991-1992. The two countries revived it when an Indian side led by former foreign ministry secretary Vivek Katju visited Islamabad last year. The Pakistani side included former minister Javed Jabbar among others,” ET reported
The Neemrana Dialogue included influential former diplomats, military veterans and academics, who had the unofficial backing from the respective governments, according to ET.
Asked whether the dialogue had the government’s backing, external affairs ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said there was no change in India’s “clear and consistent” policy towards Pakistan.
“There is no dilution in our position that talks and terror cannot go together,” he said.
