For a lasting peace between India and Pakistan, their people must be allowed to talk

After the Pahalgam terror attack in April and Operation Sindoor early the next month, India-Pakistan relations, which were already in a state of deep freeze, have entered into a crisis-orbit from which a return to normality seems almost impossible.

Pakistan is seeking a dialogue with India, without, however, making a commitment to ending cross-border terrorism. India, on the other hand, has further rigidified its position by stating that “terror and talks” cannot go together, “terror and trade” cannot go hand in hand and “water and blood” can never flow together.

If nothing changes, there will probably be another terror attack and another round of Operation Sindoor. But will it put an end to the problem? Unlikely.

How to break this logjam? One thing is certain. If we really seek a way out of this crisis, we need honest introspection on both sides. Habitual chest-thumping, blame-game and finger-pointing are of no help. Nor should anyone in Pakistan or India be under any illusion that the leader of a friendly third country (ie Donald Trump) will act as an honest mediator and solve our problems.

Trump’s mediation is neither acceptable to India nor desirable. Pakistan should stop thinking that a third country can act as a “force multiplier” helping it...

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