Why is diplomatic statesmanship missing in the case of the prevailing Indo-Pak tension? And how are the two countries bogged down for the last several years in the stand-off over occupied Kashmir? Since August 5, 2019 when India revoked article 370 of its constitution and annexed the disputed region, the two sides have touched their lowest level of diplomatic, security, economic and political interaction.

According to AI overview, "Diplomatic statesmanship involves the skillful and strategic management of a state's foreign policy and international relations, utilizing diplomacy and negotiation to achieve its goals while maintaining peaceful relations. It encompasses the art and science of conducting foreign affairs to safeguard national interests, promote cooperation, and address international challenges".

Nevertheless, diplomatic statesmanship is a fundamental requirement to manage and resolve a crisis by unleashing a process of dialogue. In the past, the leadership of India and Pakistan possessed political will and skills to seek a breakthrough for de-escalating tension and normalise their relations. Liaquat-Nehru pact of 1950, Indus-Water Treaty of 1960, Tashkent Declaration of January 1966, Shimla Pact of July 1972, Lahore Declaration of February 1999 and several military and non-military confidence-building measures under Track-1, Track-II and Track-III diplomacy reached during 1980s and 1990s reflected statesmanship on the part of New Delhi and Islamabad to move forward following different phases of cold war.

In the second decade of 2000 and onwards when India took steps to absorb the occupied Kashmir and blamed Pakistan for terrorism, Islamabad was forced to respond accordingly.........

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