India distances itself from India-Pakistan track 2 talks, says no official role

Are India and Pakistan holding backchannel talks? The Centre has clarified its position, saying the reported Track 2 dialogue is a private initiative with no official participation or government backing.

India distances itself from India-Pakistan track 2 talks (Img: Dynamite News)

New Delhi: The Centre on Monday clarified that it has no official role in the reported Track 2 dialogue involving participants from India and Pakistan, stressing that such meetings are private initiatives and do not represent the Government of India's position.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri made the clarification while responding to reports about recent unofficial interactions between individuals from the two countries.

Government Rejects Official Link

Addressing the media, Misri said Track 2 meetings are organised by private individuals and institutions and should not be viewed as government-backed engagements.

He noted that similar discussions take place regularly around the world on a range of subjects and said there was nothing unusual about such events.

According to Misri, the Government of India neither participates in nor supports these interactions in any official capacity. He added that he could not comment on Pakistan's position but reiterated that the Indian government has no involvement in such meetings.

'No Official Participation'

The Foreign Secretary further said the government does not attach significance to these dialogues, describing them as private events that fall outside official diplomatic engagement.

He emphasised that there is no official representation or endorsement from the Indian side and that the government does not take cognisance of such initiatives.

What Are Track 2 Dialogues?

Track 2 diplomacy refers to informal discussions involving former officials, retired diplomats, academics, policy experts and members of civil society. These interactions are intended to encourage dialogue and exchange of views on bilateral or regional issues.

Unlike formal diplomatic negotiations, Track 2 meetings do not involve serving government representatives and do not reflect the official policies or positions of participating countries.

The clarification comes amid media reports about a recent Track 2 dialogue involving participants from India and Pakistan, prompting the government to reiterate that the meetings are entirely unofficial.