India distances itself from Colombo India-Pakistan Track II talks, cites 'no official participation'

Former senior military officers, diplomats, and political figures from India and Pakistan met in Colombo this week for an unofficial Track II dialogue held alongside a regional security conference.

The discussions took place on the sidelines of the International Institute for Strategic Studies conference, which drew delegates from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, the UK, and other countries.

NDTV said the meeting was spread across nearly two days and was held in separate sessions at a hotel in Colombo.

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A gathering beyond the official table

The Indian delegation included former Army chief General MM Naravane, India Foundation president and former BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav, and former diplomat Ruchi Ghanashyam. Pakistan was represented by Foreign Ministry Director General for South Asia and SAARC Sajjad Haider Khan, former ambassador to the United States Sherry Rehman, and retired Major General Isfandiyar Ali Khan Pataudi.

The interaction was presented as a Track II exercise, meaning an informal channel that allows former officials, academics, and civil society figures to explore sensitive issues outside formal government negotiations.

Grave matters over a courteous exchange

The conversations focused on cross-border terrorism, water-sharing, communication during periods of heightened tensions, and ways to reduce the risk of military escalation.

The talks did not produce any substantive breakthrough. US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs S. Paul Kapur, who was in Sri Lanka during the conference, attended a dinner hosted for participants, with some members of both delegations present.

New Delhi keeps its gloves firmly on

Reacting to the reports, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said the government does not view such Track-II gatherings as official and attaches little significance to them.

He described them as "private events organized by private parties" and said there was "no official participation, no official support or involvement" from India.

Misri also said such meetings "don't hold much value" for New Delhi, while government sources underlined that the interaction should not be read as an official dialogue and reiterated India’s position that "terrorism and talks cannot go together."

The engagement comes amid continued strain in India-Pakistan ties, even as informal contacts continue outside the formal diplomatic track.

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FAQs

Q1: What are Track II talks between India and Pakistan?

Ans: Track II talks are informal discussions involving former officials, experts and civil society representatives rather than serving government negotiators.

Q2: Why did India dismiss the Colombo Track II meeting?

Ans: India said the meeting was a private event with no official participation, support or diplomatic significance.