Can India and Pakistan Solve the Kashmir Issue Through Talks?

• Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that Islamabad wants to resolve all issues, including Kashmir, through peaceful dialogue.
• Sharif urged India to reconsider its stance post-August 5, 2019, referring to the abrogation of Article 370, and fulfill promises made to the United Nations.
• India has maintained that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the country and has emphasized that normal relations with Pakistan can only happen in a terror-free environment.

Can Dialogue Truly Bring Peace Between India and Pakistan?

For decades, India and Pakistan have had a strained relationship, mainly due to the Kashmir issue. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while addressing the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) legislative assembly on ‘Kashmir Solidarity Day,’ once again called for dialogue to resolve tensions. He referenced the Lahore Declaration of 1999, which was an agreement between both countries that aimed to improve diplomatic ties through peaceful means. However, events such as the Kargil conflict, the Mumbai attacks, and the Pulwama incident have repeatedly derailed peace efforts.

Sharif’s remarks about moving past August 5, 2019, refer to India’s decision to revoke Article 370, which granted Jammu and Kashmir special status. Since then, India has firmly stated that Kashmir is an integral part of the country and that talks with Pakistan can only happen in a terror-free atmosphere. Meanwhile, Pakistan continues to insist that the Kashmir issue should be resolved through the right to self-determination under United Nations resolutions.

What Lies Ahead for India-Pakistan Relations?

While calls for peace and dialogue sound hopeful, the reality remains complex. India has consistently accused Pakistan of supporting cross-border terrorism, which has hindered trust between the two nations. On the other hand, Pakistan has continued to seek international intervention on Kashmir, which India firmly opposes.

For any substantial progress, both countries would need to overcome decades of mistrust and focus on diplomatic efforts. Whether this latest call for talks will lead to actual discussions or just remain political rhetoric remains to be seen.