India’s Focus on Multilateralism: No Bilateral Talks with Pakistan, Says (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar

India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM), Dr. S. Jaishankar, recently reaffirmed the country’s commitment to multilateral diplomacy, indicating that the focus of India’s participation in global forums is not to revive bilateral talks with Pakistan. This statement underscores India’s current diplomatic approach, which emphasizes broader global cooperation rather than concentrating on individual regional issues, particularly in light of strained India-Pakistan relations.

Speaking during a multilateral event, Jaishankar clearly stated that attending such gatherings does not imply any discussions or negotiations regarding India-Pakistan relations. This comes amid speculation that India might engage in bilateral dialogues with its neighbor on the sidelines of international summits. However, the External Affairs Minister stressed that the focus remains on fostering global partnerships and advancing India’s role on the world stage through multilateral engagement.

Context of India-Pakistan Relations:
The relationship between India and Pakistan has long been marked by volatility, with political tensions dating back to the partition in 1947. Despite several attempts at peace talks and confidence-building measures over the years, the relationship has seen its fair share of confrontations. Issues such as the Kashmir dispute, cross-border terrorism, and trade barriers continue to act as significant roadblocks to meaningful diplomatic engagement between the two countries.

In recent years, these tensions have escalated, particularly following the Pulwama terror attack in 2019 and India’s subsequent airstrike on Balakot in Pakistan. These events marked a sharp deterioration in relations, with diplomatic channels largely frozen. Furthermore, India’s revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status in August 2019 further strained the relationship, with Pakistan vociferously opposing the move in international forums.

Given this backdrop, any discussion of a potential thaw in relations often sparks interest in both countries. However, Jaishankar’s recent remarks signal that India is not currently interested in pursuing bilateral discussions with Pakistan at international events, instead choosing to focus on global issues.

India’s Multilateral Diplomatic Strategy:
India’s emphasis on multilateralism reflects its broader diplomatic priorities. Under the Narendra Modi-led government, the country has been increasingly assertive on the global stage, participating actively in international organizations such as the United Nations, the G20, BRICS, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). India’s foreign policy has aimed to project the nation as a responsible global actor that champions a rules-based international order.

By focusing on multilateral engagements, India seeks to strengthen ties with a diverse group of countries and contribute to addressing global challenges such as climate change, terrorism, and economic development. This approach also aligns with India’s goal of securing a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), an aspiration it has pursued for many years.

Jaishankar’s stance, therefore, highlights the country’s priorities in these forums. India’s participation is not aimed at resolving specific bilateral disputes with Pakistan but rather at contributing to global governance and addressing common challenges. This emphasis on multilateral diplomacy also reflects India’s strategic decision to decouple its engagement with the world from the complexities of its relationship with Pakistan.

The Global Response:
The international community has often expressed concern over the hostile nature of India-Pakistan relations, particularly due to the nuclear capabilities of both nations. Historically, global powers have occasionally mediated or encouraged dialogue between the two neighbors. However, Jaishankar’s statement sends a clear signal that India is currently not open to external pressure for bilateral talks with Pakistan, especially in multilateral settings.

This position likely finds favor among Indian policymakers who believe that engaging with Pakistan, particularly under the current circumstances, would yield little benefit. India has repeatedly emphasized the need for Pakistan to take concrete action against terrorist groups operating from its soil before any meaningful dialogue can be resumed. As a result, India has adopted a firm stance on not engaging in talks unless there are significant changes in Pakistan’s approach to cross-border terrorism.

Future of India-Pakistan Relations:
While Jaishankar’s recent comments indicate a reluctance to engage with Pakistan on the sidelines of multilateral events, the possibility of future dialogue cannot be entirely ruled out. The relationship between the two countries has seen periods of hostility followed by attempts at reconciliation. The onus for future engagement largely rests on Pakistan, with India maintaining that it is willing to talk if there are substantive actions from Pakistan’s side to curb terrorism and ensure peace.

For now, India appears focused on expanding its global influence through multilateralism. The current government’s foreign policy vision is clearly aligned with building strong global partnerships, improving trade relations with key allies, and contributing to global governance. This stance has been reinforced through India’s active participation in organizations like the G20 and the UN, as well as through its presidency of the SCO in 2023.

Conclusion:
EAM Jaishankar’s statement reiterates India’s position that bilateral relations with Pakistan are not a priority during international summits. The focus on multilateralism reflects India’s evolving diplomatic strategy, which seeks to enhance its global stature and address pressing international issues. While the question of India-Pakistan relations remains unresolved, India is firmly positioning itself as a key player in the multilateral arena, emphasizing that its role in global governance is paramount to its diplomatic agenda.

As India continues to navigate its role in a rapidly changing global order, its approach to Pakistan will likely remain cautious, with any future engagement dependent on significant changes in the security situation. For now, India’s multilateral agenda takes precedence, signaling the country’s ambitions on the global stage.