Diplomatic Hurdles in Track-II Diplomacy: Analyzing the Stagnation of India-Pakistan People-to-People Engagement

The recent cancellation of a security dialogue organized by the Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) in Islamabad serves as a stark reminder of the deep-seated challenges facing bilateral relations between India and Pakistan. Despite the organizers adhering to established diplomatic protocols, the sudden revocation of visas for Indian participants led to the collapse of the event. This development illustrates the precarious nature of 'Track-II' diplomacy—informal, non-governmental interactions intended to build trust and explore solutions to complex geopolitical issues when official channels remain deadlocked. For decades, Track-II initiatives have been viewed as a vital safety valve in the India-Pakistan relationship, providing a platform for academics, retired officials, and civil society activists to engage in dialogue away from the glare of state-level scrutiny. However, the current climate of mutual suspicion has increasingly restricted the space for such interactions. The state's control over cross-border movement, manifested through visa policies, acts as a potent tool of 'soft' containment, effectively silencing voices that advocate for normalization.