Unlike political diplomacy, people-to-people diplomacy—such as through climate, sports, and cultural exchanges—could bring significant change to the relationship between Pakistan and India. Since their inception, both countries have had an adversarial relationship. Despite numerous attempts to establish healthier ties, they have been unable to resolve key issues politically, such as the Kashmir dispute and the water crisis.
In this context, it is essential to leverage soft power and adopt people-to-people diplomacy to foster better relations. This approach could shift the attitudes of both nations toward each other, helping to overcome their rivalry. Pakistan and India should engage with one another through cultural, climate, and sports diplomacy to build a more positive and cooperative relationship. People-to-people diplomacy may serve as a thaw in the otherwise rigid relations between the two countries. The Pakistani government should involve the international community while engaging with India through these diplomatic avenues.
Both countries are facing climate challenges, and now is the time to make mutual decisions and engage in climate diplomacy to address this crisis together. Similarly, sports diplomacy is urgently needed to bring both nations closer and transform their rigid relationship into a more flexible one. Another important avenue to bridge the gap between them is through cultural diplomacy, given their shared cultural history. People-to-people diplomacy offers a promising way to melt the solid, rigid barriers between Pakistan and India. Both nations should actively engage in this approach to build stronger, more cooperative relationships.
Jamshaid Kakar
Loralai
