New Delhi – June 4:
Congress MP and former Minister of State for External Affairs, Shashi Tharoor, has reignited the debate over stalled India-Pakistan dialogue by stating that the real obstacle to peace talks is not language but mutual trust and political will. Speaking at a public policy forum in New Delhi, Tharoor addressed questions on the ongoing diplomatic deadlock between the two neighbours and offered his perspective on why bilateral talks have not progressed meaningfully in recent years.
“We can speak to them in Hindustani, in Punjabi, or in English—the language is not the issue,” Tharoor said. “The problem is far deeper. It lies in intentions, in the lack of trust, and in repeated betrayals that make consistent diplomatic engagement nearly impossible.”
His remarks come amid increasing calls from civil society groups, foreign observers, and some political sections in both India and Pakistan to resume structured dialogue. The diplomatic relationship between the two nuclear-armed neighbours has remained frozen since the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir by India in 2019. Since then, both countries have limited official engagement, despite sporadic ceasefire agreements at the Line of Control.
Tharoor emphasized that while people-to-people contact and trade initiatives have historically helped ease tensions, the core political disagreements—especially on issues like Kashmir and terrorism—continue to block forward movement. He further stated that diplomacy must be rooted in realism, not rhetoric. “You cannot have meaningful talks when the trust deficit is so deep that neither side believes the other will honor commitments,” he said.
The BJP-led central government has taken a hard stance on negotiations with Pakistan, often linking talks to Islamabad’s commitment to ending cross-border terrorism. While Pakistan has repeatedly called for dialogue on all outstanding issues, India has maintained that terror and talks cannot go hand in hand.
Reacting to Tharoor’s comments, BJP leaders dismissed the Congress MP’s statements as “idealistic” and “out of touch with ground realities.” Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri responded saying, “Dialogue must be built on solid ground, not wishful thinking. We have seen the outcomes of engaging with Pakistan without clear preconditions.”
However, foreign policy analysts noted that Tharoor’s experience as a diplomat brings a nuanced understanding to the debate. A former Under-Secretary-General at the United Nations, Tharoor has often advocated for balanced diplomacy rooted in strategic patience and long-term planning.
The broader geopolitical context—particularly growing ties between India and the West, tensions in the Indo-Pacific, and evolving dynamics in South Asia—has made India’s position more assertive on the global stage. Whether that assertiveness allows room for diplomatic engagement with Pakistan remains to be seen.
As the two countries continue to maintain diplomatic distance, Tharoor’s comments underscore the complexity of the relationship and the continuing debate over what a future roadmap for peace might look like.
