India-Pakistan Relations: Jaishankar-Sadiq Handshake in Dhaka Sparks Diplomatic Buzz Amid Strained India-Pakistan Ties

An unexpected encounter between Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistan Parliament Speaker Ayaz Sadiq in Dhaka on December 31 has generated significant diplomatic discussion, particularly given the highly strained relations between their respective nations. The meeting took place during the final farewell program for Bangladesh's former Prime Minister, Khalida Zia. Pakistani Speaker Ayaz Sadiq claimed on a private TV channel Wednesday night that it was the Indian External Affairs Minister, S, while jaishankar, who initiated the handshake.

Details of the Encounter and Sadiq's Account

According to Ayaz Sadiq, Jaishankar approached him directly and greeted him with 'Namaste', while sadiq recounted that as he stood up, Jaishankar introduced himself and extended his hand with a smile. Sadiq further stated that just as he was about to introduce himself, Jaishankar interjected, saying, 'I recognize you, no introduction is needed. ' Representatives from Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives were also present during this interaction. The Indian government has not yet issued any official statement regarding this meeting, which further amplifies the interpretations surrounding it.

Diplomatic Significance Amidst Deep-Seated Tensions

This meeting is considered diplomatically significant because it marks the first face-to-face encounter and handshake between major leaders from both countries since 'Operation Sindoor' in May. Following 'Operation Sindoor', relations between India and Pakistan had become extremely bitter, making this handshake a surprising development for many observers. The event unfolds at a time when official dialogue between the two. Nations is virtually stalled, and their relationship is characterized by deep animosity.

Past Incidents Reflecting Strain

The significance of this handshake is further underscored by recent events that highlighted the severe strain in bilateral ties. Last September, during the Asia Cup, the Indian cricket team notably refused to shake hands with Pakistani players. This incident clearly demonstrated the extent of the tension between the two nations, indicating that even basic courtesies were being affected by the diplomatic chill.

Escalation of Tensions Through Recent Events

Last April, India accused Pakistan of involvement in a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. Following these allegations, India also suspended the Indus Water Treaty, further escalating tensions, while pakistan denied these accusations, but the incidents undeniably soured relations. Subsequently, a four-day conflict between India and Pakistan occurred in May, which further exacerbated the bitterness. Against this backdrop of escalating hostilities, the handshake in Dhaka is viewed as an unusual and noteworthy event.

Potential for a Shift in Relations?

According to an Al Jazeera report, several Pakistani experts have interpreted this meeting as a sign of a slight softening in relations before the new year, while they believe that a return to normal diplomatic behavior, at least at the official level, is essential. Mustafa Haider Syed, a foreign policy expert in Islamabad, told Al Jazeera that the interaction between Jaishankar and Ayaz Sadiq at the start of the new year is a positive step. He emphasized that, at a minimum, officials should respect each other and. Shake hands, a basic courtesy that, unfortunately, had disappeared after the India-Pakistan conflict.

Indian Perspectives and Enduring Challenges

However, some Indian experts believe that this meeting shouldn't be overemphasized. In their view, a handshake between two senior leaders present in the same room could simply be a matter of common courtesy and shouldn't be interpreted as a significant shift in diplomatic policy. Experts suggest that the bitterness established after the May 2025 (likely May 2024 or previous May) conflict is so profound that a rapid improvement in relations is unlikely, while currently, official dialogue between the two countries is almost non-existent, and a single handshake is unlikely to bring about immediate major changes in this situation.

Former Pakistani Ambassador's Optimistic View

Sardar Masood Khan, Pakistan's former ambassador to the US, described the event as a positive step. He stated that it's inconceivable that India's External Affairs Minister would shake hands with Pakistan's Speaker so spontaneously without the approval of the Prime Minister and the top leadership of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. He also recalled that at the time of the ceasefire announcement in May, the United States had encouraged both countries to engage in talks in a neutral country, an offer that India had rejected at the time.

India's Consistent Stance on Terrorism

India has consistently maintained that there can be no meaningful dialogue until Pakistan ceases cross-border terrorism against India, while for decades, India has accused Pakistan of supporting terrorism. In recent years, Pakistan has also leveled similar accusations against India, though both countries deny each other's claims. Pakistan has, on occasion, acknowledged that perpetrators of some major attacks, such as the 2008 Mumbai attacks, originated from Pakistan. In this context, the Dhaka handshake might be a small gesture, but it's premature to conclude that it signals any change in India's firm anti-terrorism policy.