There is a lot of buzz about the possibility of an India-Pakistan dialogue, as it being touted an inescapable reality. The thesis is that sooner or later it will happen, no matter how frozen relations between the two countries are. Is the stage set for dialogue to finally happen?At the moment, certain issues need greater and immediate attention regarding India-Pakistan relations. First, a highly explosive situation is developing across the Line of Control (LoC)- Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir ( PoJK). Dozens have been killed and scores injured, while thousands are holding a massive sit-in (dharna)to protest against the Pakistani establishment. Second, China and Pakistan are increasingly adopting identical vocabulary regarding Jammu and Kashmir in their joint statements.This cannot be dismissed merely as a display of an iron-clad friendship; rather, it reflects a growing mutual recognition that both nations are actively working to advance each other’s strategic interests.

Third, the overall international scenario in which America and Europe are full of praise for Pakistan as a mediator – read messenger – between the US and Iran. Even when the ceasefire is teetering, Pakistan comes in for praise. Trump has reversed his opinion about Pakistan – once described by him as a terror state in his description that played a double game with Washington (January 1, 2018), tothe Pakistan army chief, Field Marshall Asim Munir, being his favourite and good friend. Fourth, India’s own stature as the loud and powerful voice of the Global South. Its status brings special responsibilities in the ongoing world order. India’s pursuit of the Viksit Bharat goal is also dependent upon the external environment, and we are just 21 years from that cherished goal.

Fifth, are calls from within urging India to open doors for dialogue with........

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