Govt says Track-2 dialogues with Pakistan outside its purview: ‘Individuals interacting in private capacity’

New Delhi has distanced itself from Track-2 dialogues between Indian and Pakistani think tanks and academics, asserting that such engagements are outside the government's purview. Participants in these discussions, which include retired diplomats and military officers, are acting in their private capacity, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh informed the Rajya Sabha that the views expressed by individuals in these Track-2 dialogues do not reflect the official position of the Government of India. This clarification came in response to a question from the Leader of the Opposition regarding the government's assessment and any advisories issued concerning these interactions.

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Individuals participate in Track 2 dialogues in their private capacity, and their views do not reflect the views of the Government of India.

Despite the unofficial nature of Track-2 dialogues, India and Pakistan maintain diplomatic missions in each other's capitals. Functional engagements continue, including Director General of Military Operations (DGMO)-level talks and exchanges of pre-notifications for ballistic missile tests. However, the Indus Waters Treaty remains suspended. India declared the treaty in abeyance following a terror attack in April 2025, stating it will only be reinstated once Pakistan credibly renounces support for cross-border terrorism.

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The Treaty will continue to be held in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism.