Kirti Vardhan Singh Says Track-2 Participants Engage With Pakistan In Private Capacity
Government distances itself from Track-2 Pakistan talks
The Indian government on Thursday said Track-2 dialogues involving Indian and Pakistani think tanks, academicians and other non-governmental participants fall outside its purview, with individuals taking part in such engagements in their private capacity. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh made the clarification in the Rajya Sabha while responding to a question from Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge regarding retired Indian officials and civil society representatives participating in such discussions with Pakistani counterparts.
Singh said the views expressed by participants in Track-2 dialogues should not be considered representative of the Government of India. “Individuals participate in Track 2 dialogues in their private capacity, and their views do not reflect the views of the Government of India,” he said in a written statement. The government therefore maintains a distinction between official diplomatic engagement and discussions involving individuals who participate independently of the state.
Kharge had sought information on the government's assessment of such interactions and whether any advisory had been issued regarding the participation of retired diplomats, former military officers and civil society figures in Track-2 dialogues with Pakistani representatives. The question came against the backdrop of continued tensions between India and Pakistan and the role of unofficial channels in facilitating discussions between people from the two countries.
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Track-2 diplomacy generally involves non-governmental actors, including former officials, academics, experts, political figures and representatives of civil society. Unlike formal government-to-government negotiations, participants generally speak in their individual capacities and can discuss sensitive issues outside official diplomatic channels. Such engagements are sometimes used to maintain communication or explore perspectives even when formal bilateral relations are strained.
The government response follows Track-2 discussions involving Indian and Pakistani experts on the sidelines of a regional security conference in Colombo in June. Participants reportedly included retired military officers, diplomats and politicians from both countries. The discussions provided an informal setting for individuals with experience in public affairs and security matters to exchange views despite the broader tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad.
Singh's response makes clear that participation by retired Indian officials or other individuals in such forums does not constitute an official government position. The Centre has said that the views expressed by participants remain their own and that such engagements are conducted outside the government's formal diplomatic framework. This distinction is particularly significant when retired officials with previous government roles participate in discussions involving Pakistan.
The government's position effectively places Track-2 engagements in the domain of private participation rather than official bilateral diplomacy. While individuals remain free to participate in such discussions in their private capacity, their statements or positions cannot be attributed to the Government of India. The clarification in Parliament also underscores the difference between unofficial dialogue involving experts and formal diplomatic engagement conducted by the Indian government.
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