The narrative has become tiresomely predictable: Indian peace initiatives undermined by Pakistani terrorism – which the civilians in Islamabad seem unable or unwilling to curb. They also help enlarge the constituency for peace within Pakistan — a constituency that is often marginalised, but not insignificant. The key is to move from binary diplomacy (talk or don’t talk) to incremental diplomacy (talk as and when conditions evolve). Ultimately, the goal is not to resume dialogue for its own sake, but to create conditions where dialogue is sustainable. Perhaps the first truth that we must both realise and explain to our people is that peace is not weakness — and dialogue, when conducted wisely, is not defeat.

Source: Indian Express February 05, 2026 13:05 UTC