Recent developments indicate a continued stalemate in India-Pakistan relations, with India firmly rejecting any third-party mediation and Pakistan acknowledging this stance. This comes amidst accusations and counter-accusations regarding regional security and terrorism.
India has consistently maintained that all issues with Pakistan are bilateral matters, to be resolved through direct dialogue, a position rooted in the Simla Agreement of 1972. This principle was reiterated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a phone conversation with then U.S. President Donald Trump, where Modi clarified that India "has never accepted third-party mediation and will not accept such mediation in the future". This firm stance followed claims by Trump of his involvement in brokering a ceasefire between the two nations after a period of heightened conflict. India refuted these claims, asserting that the ceasefire was a result of direct military-level communication between India and Pakistan, initiated at Pakistan's request.
Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has now conceded that India views the disputes as bilateral, stating that Islamabad never actively sought third-party intervention. Dar mentioned that a US official had indicated the possibility of dialogue, which ultimately did not materialize due to India's position. Despite this, Pakistan has expressed openness to comprehensive bilateral discussions covering a range of issues, including terrorism, trade, economic matters, and the sensitive issue of Jammu and Kashmir. Dar has also stated that Pakistan is ready to engage in comprehensive dialogue with India, including discussions on the Kashmir issue. He confirmed that a ceasefire is in place between Pakistan and India.
Adding to the complexities, recent tensions have arisen over the protected status of basmati rice, with both nations claiming exclusive rights to the name and seeking to limit its use to specific regions. This dispute has the potential to complicate India's trade negotiations with the European Union, as the EU seeks to avoid taking sides in the matter.
Former Pakistani Foreign Minister Hina Khar has criticized India for being a "belligerent" and "hegemonic" state and has urged the U.S. to reassess its strategic approach to South Asia, advocating that Washington should not view Pakistan solely through the lens of its relationship with India.
Despite the ongoing challenges, there have been some instances of cooperation. The Kartarpur Corridor agreement between India and Pakistan was renewed for another five years in October 2024. This agreement allows visa-free travel for Indian pilgrims to visit a Sikh shrine in Pakistan. Some reports suggest that environmental issues, such as air pollution, could potentially serve as a catalyst for improved bilateral relations in the future.
