India distances itself from reports of Track 2 dialogue with Pakistan, says no official involvement

Misri addressing the media on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian (File photo, PTI)

NEW DELHI: The government on Monday distanced itself from reports of a Track 2 dialogue involving India and Pakistan, with foreign secretary Vikram Misri clarifying that the meetings are private initiatives with no official participation or backing from the authorities.Responding to questions on reports of the dialogue, Misri said such interactions are neither new nor recognised by the Indian government.“I have seen the reports, I am aware of them and what I would say is that firstly, dozens of these kinds of events take place in dozens of places around the world on a whole variety of subjects. So, there is nothing new, nothing special about these events.”He said the meetings are organised by private individuals and institutions and should not be viewed as official engagements.“Secondly, as far as we are concerned, these are private events organised by private parties. There is nothing official about them, as far as we are concerned. I can not speak for the government of Pakistan but as far as the government of India is concerned, there is no official participation, no official support or involvement in these visits.”Misri also said the Indian government does not attach significance to such interactions.“Thirdly, we really take no cognisance of these events, they don’t hold much value as far as we are concerned.”His remarks came in response to media reports about a Track 2 dialogue involving participants from India and Pakistan. Track 2 dialogues are unofficial discussions involving former officials, experts and members of civil society aimed at exchanging views on bilateral issues, but they do not represent the official positions of governments.