Mani Shankar Aiyar urges India to seek dialogue with Pakistan

Former Union Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar has criticized the BJP-led central government for its refusal to engage in dialogue with Pakistan. Speaking at the 5th ‘Halla Bol’ conclave in Srinagar, the Congress veteran argued that while India possesses the courage to conduct surgical strikes, it lacks the willingness to sit at a negotiating table to resolve long-standing issues.

Aiyar suggested that arguing over past grievances does not constitute effective foreign policy. He proposed that instead of traditional diplomatic visits, both nations could hold discussions at the Attari-Wagah border. By placing a table directly on the border line, he argued, neither delegation would need to leave their respective countries, facilitating a continuous dialogue.

He further noted that the current approach makes India appear “hypocritical” to the international community, as the nation claims it is not an era of war while simultaneously engaging in military actions against Pakistan. Aiyar emphasized that constructive conclusions can only be reached through sustained communication, regardless of how long the process takes.