Amidst escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following India's strikes on alleged terror camps within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, the Indian government has remained tight-lipped regarding direct contact between the National Security Advisors (NSAs) of the two nations. While Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has confirmed that contact has been made between the NSAs, his counterpart from India, Ajit Doval, there has been no official statement from India confirming the same.

The situation is further complicated by conflicting reports and a deliberate downplaying of the contacts by Indian officials. While sources suggest that the two sides are in communication through their NSAs – Ajit Doval and Lt Gen Asim Malik – and their respective High Commissions, a top Indian official stated that "Being in touch doesn't mean being in talks," seemingly to minimize the significance of these interactions.

These developments come in the wake of heightened military activity, triggered by India's "Operation Sindoor," which targeted nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, believed to house operatives from Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. India blamed these militant groups for recent attacks within India. Pakistan has reacted strongly, with reports of retaliation, including the alleged shooting down of Indian fighter jets.

The reported contact between the NSAs is seen by some as a potential effort to de-escalate the tensions. It is believed that these contacts were established after hectic behind-the-scene diplomatic efforts by international and regional players. The US Secretary of State and NSA, Marco Rubio, also reportedly spoke to both the Pakistani and Indian NSAs soon after the Indian strikes and Pakistan's response.

Despite the confirmed communication, the details of what was discussed remain unclear. Pakistan has maintained its stance of retaliation following the missile strikes. The situation remains highly sensitive, with India maintaining a state of heightened security and preparedness for any potential advances from Pakistan.

The diplomatic channels between the two countries are also reportedly open, although described as being in "crisis mode". India's chargé d'affaires in Islamabad, Geetika Srivastava, has been in contact with key interlocutors in Islamabad but was also summoned by the Pakistan Foreign Ministry to protest the Indian strikes.

The lack of official confirmation from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) regarding NSA-level talks adds another layer of complexity to the situation. While Pakistan has openly acknowledged the contact, India's silence raises questions about the nature and purpose of these communications, and the overall approach to managing the escalating crisis.