Has India done a right thing by stopping the dialogue with Pakistan?

Has India done a right thing by stopping the dialogue with Pakistan?

India and Pakistan is yet again in world’s focus because of recent cease fire violations. While it is evident that Pakistan provoked Indian forces first and violated the ceasefire, Government of India decided to halt talks at all levels with Pakistan. The opponents of this decision have criticized the government’s stand stating that bilateral talk is the effective medium to convey India’s dissent to Pakistan. Should India has refrained itself from taking such a crucial decision?

No:

-Talk is the only medium where delegates from both countries can sit face to face to present their respective point of views.

-In absence of talks, there is a complete deadlock and it becomes difficult for one side to convey it thoughts or apprehensions to other side.

-Since India took the decision to halt talks, it gives Pakistan the opportunity to project a negative Indian image at international level.

-Talks followed by media briefings act as a medium of propagating each side’s stand, dissents and expectations from other side to deescalate tensions at international level.

-Most importantly, negotiations have remained the preferred option for sorting out the contentious issues for a long time.

Yes:

-The best way to lodge a strong protest is to stop talks, especially when there is difference between Pakistan’s commitments and actual actions.

-Every time India approached Pakistan with a friendly attitude, Pakistan has hit back either by war or unnecessary provocation through ceasefire violations.

-India has tried every possible way, from flag meetings to foreign secretary level talks. The failures at different levels ultimately forced government to opt for this extreme decision.

-Pakistan has shown more interest in raising the issue in UN and has been least interested in talks unlike India.



Though negotiation is undoubtedly the best medium to resolve any crisis, but only when both countries are serious about it. Pakistan’s insistence on UN has shown its disrespect to direct bilateral negotiation. In the absence of conducive and peaceful environment for peace especially at borders, decision to hold talks can be justified. Ultimately, Pakistan will have to come forward and initiate actions to reflect its serious intentions otherwise it will be on losing side vis-à-vis India in the event of stalled talks.