India has refuted any Track 2 discussions between New Delhi and Islamabad, clarifying that private events organized without official involvement hold little significance. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasized that such events, not endorsed by the government, do not carry official weight. He highlighted that individuals at these events express personal views and do not represent the Indian government’s stance.
Misri pointed out that retired diplomats, military officials, and civil society members participating in these events speak for themselves and not on behalf of the Indian government. He stressed that India does not participate officially or support such interactions, emphasizing that these events do not hold much value in the government’s eyes. Recent reports suggested Track 2 talks occurred at a security conference in Colombo, with figures like General M M Naravane and BJP leader Ram Madhav allegedly involved.
Ram Madhav denied these reports, labeling them as a misrepresentation and exaggeration of the actual event. He clarified that the gathering was part of the IISS annual South Asia Dialogue, attended by scholars and officials from various countries, including India, Sri Lanka, the US, the UK, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Madhav emphasized that such dialogues involve multiple nations and are not exclusive Track 2 discussions, countering the media’s portrayal of the event.
