In the present day war scenarios, diplomacy serves as the key method in peacefully resolving the conflicts . In case of recent conflict between India and Pakistan, track I and Track II diplomacies employed together can be effective in achieving sustainable peace and stability in the region. In the 21st century, the military weaponry and equipments are extremely advanced and poses serious threat to the international peace . Therefore, minor disputes and conflicts between states must be resolved through diplomatic engagements to avoid military intensification .

This five day conflict between the nuclear armed neighbours, India and Pakistan began after the Pahalgam attack , a terrorist attack which  was quickly blamed on Pakistan by India , further resulting in a military and diplomatic standoff between both states. The military escalation continued from May 7 to May 10  involving the use of drones and missiles , air craft  and cyber attacks by both countries .  International community repeatedly reminded both states  to show restrain and de-escalate situations. On 10th May , India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire on land , air and sea , mediated by the United States. Further adding that the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan will have a meeting on 10th May to discuss the ceasefire .

On May 12, 2025, the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan held another meeting and reaffirmed their commitment to the ceasefire initially agreed on May 10. Both sides agreed to halt all military actions and reduce tensions along the Line of Control.  The ceasefire period has been extended to 20th may in the latest meeting between the  DGMOs of India and Pakistan. The conflict has not entirely been resolved but de-escalated. This ceasefire between the two countries was unlikely to be possible without  mediation and mutual talks, a process referred to as diplomacy in international relations.

A conflict of this nature between two nuclear armed neighbours poses an alarming threat to regional peace and stability,  and can best be resolved through diplomatic engagement . Diplomacy is the most effective way to defuse tensions and restore calm between two nuclear-armed states. Diplomacy can be defined as the practice of conducting international relations, particularly through negotiations and dialogue aimed at promoting peaceful cooperation. It  exists in multiple forms such as Track I diplomacy, Track II diplomacy,  multi-track  diplomacy,  back channel diplomacy, etc , each playing a unique role in conflict resolution and peace building.

The ceasefire mediation by the United States between India and Pakistan, along with the meetings of the DGMOs, are textbook  examples of Track I diplomacy. Track I diplomacy is the most conventional form of diplomacy, which involves  official engagement or meetings between government representatives of two or more nations, or with multilateral organizations and international bodies. It is a formal channel through which state officials such as heads of state, military commanders, foreign ministers, diplomats or ambassadors directly engage with their counterparts to negotiate, manage crises, or de-escalate tensions. The mutual agreements such as Shimla agreement, Indus Water Treaty , Lahore declaration, etc are some of the examples of Track  I diplomacy between India and Pakistan.

Track I diplomacy is the most efficacious and widely practiced form of diplomacy but it has limitations as well  . It is often disrupted for  electoral advantages that prioritize politics over peace. In the case of India and Pakistan, the current Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, has repeatedly cut diplomatic ties with Pakistan often based on unproven or politically charged terrorism allegations to secure electoral advantages  ,further worsening the historically strained relationship between both countries. The core issues of hostility between both states are unresolved territorial disputes and deep-rooted religious differences. Track I diplomacy, if used wisely can be helpful in resolving such disputes.

On the other hand , Track II diplomacy serves as a supplementary channel to Track I diplomacy. In Track II diplomacy, diplomatic dealings are pursued through non-officials for example, NGOs, academics, retired diplomats, business leaders etc,. One of the remarkable examples of  Track II diplomacy between India and Pakistan is Neemrana dialogue 1991, which  brought together retired officials and experts from both countries . However, in the present case between India and Pakistan, Track II diplomacy alone is unlikely to be effective as the individuals involved typically have little to no influence over  State level decision making.

The core issues between India and Pakistan in the present conflict include the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, the Kashmir dispute, and terrorism allegations  by India against Pakistan. To achieve long-term peace in the region, these issues must be resolved through peaceful means .  And peaceful means to resolve conflicts between states are generally known as diplomacy. Track I diplomacy can restore  peace in the region, but it cannot hold or sustain it alone, as clearly demonstrated by the history of India and Pakistan. However ,when followed by track II diplomacy it can be more effective in maintaining long term peace in the region.

For maintaining peace in the region , both states should agree to a permanent ceasefire and resolve the remaining differences through  diplomatic platforms. Pakistan’s call for an impartial third party investigation into the Pahalgam attack, in response to India’s terrorism allegations, is valid and justified. If India genuinely believes in the validity of its claim, it should accept the offer diplomatically. The Indus Waters Treaty should remain in effect , or the dispute should be taken to arbitration, as arbitration’s decisions are binding under the treaty. The Kashmir issue  must be brought before United Nations for peaceful resolution .

These Track I diplomacy channels would definitely be effective for maintaining peace in the region. However, to sustain long term  peace , both Pakistan and India should also consider employing Track II diplomacy through academic exchanges, cultural and media dialogue, business forums, people-to-people contact, and interfaith or sports initiatives to foster mutual trust. The Kartarpur Corridor stands as a prime example of successful Track II diplomacy between the two nations. Therefore, Peace between both states  can only be achieved through  both official and informal channels, namely Track I and Track II diplomacy, respectively. Track I diplomacy should be followed by Track II diplomacy to sustain peace in the region.