PrintOptimism and Obstacles in India-Pakistan Peace Talks
Summary
- Following March 2011’s “cricket diplomacy,” there is reason to be optimistic about progress on South Asian normalization as India and Pakistan have resumed bilateral dialogues.
- Improved relations are critical to U.S. interests in South Asia with respect to the stabilization of Afghanistan, reduction in Pakistan-based militant threats, and alleviation of regional nuclear tensions.
- Terrorism and the Kashmir issue remain the most toxic points of divergence which could derail progress as in past bilateral talks.
- Bilateral economic agreements should be pursued in order to enable commercial progress to facilitate political reconciliation.
- With the looming drawdown of international forces from Afghanistan in 2014, and the subsequent shift in the regional power balance, it is imperative that the international community utilize its leverage to ensure that Pakistan-India talks progress.
About This Brief
USIP is engaged in research and dialogue on India-Pakistan relations. In addition to facilitating discussion at the civil society level through events on the ground in Pakistan, USIP supports two Track-II dialogues on India-Pakistan relations, one focused on broader regional issues and the other on strategic stability, all of which informs USIP’s activities in Pakistan. This brief applies a problemsolving lens and draws upon the lessons provided by the Track II dialogue process. The authors, Stephanie Flamenbaum and Megan Neville, are respectively a program assistant and research assistant in USIP’s Center for Conflict Management.