Pakistan’s Ambassador to US, Jalil Abbas Jilani, revealed on Tuesday that “back-channel” talks between India and Pakistan have been revived following the meeting between PM Nawaz Sharif and PM Narendra Modi last month. He also claimed that foreign secretaries of the two countries will meet soon, which may prove quite helpful for the resumption of the frozen peace process.
Historically, backdoor diplomacy has played an effective role in conflict resolution across the globe. We have several examples of countries maintaining backdoor links during times of severe political tension, and even war. The problem with engaging openly is that it leaves the concerned parties exposed and vulnerable to onlookers. As far as India and Pakistan are concerned, they can’t possibly get more attention when they choose to engage albeit rarely, and are yet to begin meaningful dialogue. While carrying forward negotiations may be a difficult task to accomplish, initiating them alone is quite a challenge in itself as evident from the current political scenario. There are many who thrive in conflict, and peace for them means closure of business. While some pray and hope for the best whenever the two rivals meet, others start campaigning to ensure that the process is killed in infancy. This phenomenon was easily observable when PM Sharif recently visited Delhi to attend PM Modi’s swearing-in ceremony. Therefore, it only makes sense to rely on back-channel talks to decide a course of action for the future.
That being said, the two countries have their work cut out for them. Mr Modi is still new to the office, and his policy towards Pakistan remains shrouded in mystery. Whether Mr Modi will be able to resist pressure from hardcore elements within India or not, will become clear as time progresses. The same goes for Pakistan. While the PML-N government led by Mr Sharif has openly adopted a pro-peace stance, the military and its ‘assets’ still have doubts. It’s a long, hard journey, yes, but it has to be undertaken regardless.