The Government of India clarified that informal Track-II discussions in Colombo were private engagements with no official participation or policy significance.
June 29, 2026: India has dismissed reports suggesting any diplomatic breakthrough with Pakistan, clarifying that the recent Track-II dialogue held in Colombo was an entirely private initiative with no official involvement from the Government of India. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said such informal meetings take place regularly around the world and should not be interpreted as representing India’s official position. He emphasized that retired diplomats, former military officers, and civil society members attending such events speak only in their personal capacity.
The clarification followed media reports that former senior officials and experts from India and Pakistan met on the sidelines of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) conference in Colombo. The Indian delegation included former Army Chief General M.M. Naravane, India Foundation president Ram Madhav, and former diplomat Ruchi Ghanashyam, while Pakistan was represented by officials and former diplomats, including Sherry Rehman. According to reports, discussions covered issues such as cross-border terrorism, the Indus Waters Treaty, communication during crises, and measures to reduce military escalation, but no major breakthrough was achieved.
India also reiterated that its policy towards Pakistan remains unchanged. Bilateral relations have remained strained since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 and worsened further after the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. New Delhi continues to maintain that meaningful engagement is not possible unless Pakistan takes credible action against cross-border terrorism. India has also kept the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi stating that “blood and water cannot flow together.”