According to reports, the primary objective of these informal discussions was to strengthen communication mechanisms during periods of heightened tensions and establish frameworks to prevent and manage any possible military escalation. During the meetings, both sides exchanged detailed notes on critical issues, including terrorism and water disputes, while presenting their respective positions with clarity.
The participants also explored ways to ensure that key outcomes from the Track-2 discussions could eventually be conveyed to Track-1 channels, referring to formal government-level diplomatic engagement, if conditions permit in the future.
Official relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbours have remained deeply strained since the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in May 2025. The attack claimed the lives of 26 people, the majority of whom were tourists. The incident was followed by four consecutive days of intense cross-border firing and drone attacks between India and Pakistan. Although a ceasefire came into effect on May 10 and both sides have since refrained from publicly escalating the situation, formal diplomatic dialogue remains completely suspended.
With direct government-to-government communication at a standstill, neutral venues have become the preferred locations for maintaining informal engagement. Instead of serving government officials, the Track-2 meetings have been attended by retired military officers, former diplomats, media professionals, and academics from both countries.
Several rounds of similar back-channel discussions have taken place since the military confrontation in May 2025, providing one of the few remaining avenues for communication amid frozen official relations. These meetings have primarily been organised in capitals across West Asia and other neutral locations. An earlier Track-2 meeting involving prominent personalities from both countries was also held in Doha. Reports confirming the existence of these discussions first emerged in April 2026.
India has maintained its position adopted after 2019, reiterating that no formal dialogue with Pakistan is possible as long as cross-border terrorism continues. At present, bilateral trade remains negligible, diplomatic missions continue to function with reduced staff, and people-to-people engagement remains severely restricted.
Even as official communication remains suspended, the continuation of quiet diplomatic engagement reflects a practical effort by both sides to maintain channels of communication during periods of heightened tension. As in previous instances, neither the Government of India nor the Government of Pakistan has officially acknowledged the existence of these Track-2 discussions.
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