PROSPECTS OF SOFT CBMs TO JUMP-START PAKISTAN-INDIA ENGAGEMENT

The research paper examines the role of Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs), including the soft ones, in lessening tensions between India and Pakistan. The paper reviews the historical context of India-Pakistan CBMs under different categories. It observes that whereas the CBMs improved the climate of trust and confidence, their success was short-lived. The lasting peace between the two nations could not be achieved because of the persistent challenges posed by deep-seated mistrust, political inflexibility, domestic opposition, institutional mistrust, and, above all, because of the unresolved dispute of Jammu and Kashmir. The May 2025 four-day conflict has put the bilateral relations in a deep freeze. Under the present circumstances, the study evaluates the potential of soft CBMs, starting with Track II dialogue to prepare favourable conditions for the resumption of bilateral engagement, which may eventually lead to the comprehensive dialogue process. As a first step, the paper identifies potential low-risk soft CBMs that may serve as a starting point for the resumption of substantive dialogue. The lasting results, however, hinge on mutual willingness to address all outstanding issues, especially the Kashmir dispute, and to institutionalise crisis-management mechanisms.