India Pakistan Handshake in Dhaka Sparks Renewed Talk of Dialogue

A simple handshake has ignited fresh diplomatic commentary between India and Pakistan. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq briefly greeted each other in Dhaka on December 31. The encounter occurred at the funeral of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. It marks a rare high-level contact since relations plummeted earlier this year.Pakistan quickly sought to amplify the significance of the courteous exchange. According to Dawn newspaper, Pakistan’s National Assembly Secretariat issued a press release detailing the moment. The release framed the handshake as an opportunity for renewed dialogue.

Gesture Contrasts with Lingering Tensions After Pahalgam Attack

The brief interaction stands in stark contrast to the deep freeze in bilateral ties. Relations were severely strained following a devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. That assault resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists earlier this year.In response, India took firm diplomatic and strategic measures. The government scaled down engagement and suspended its participation in the Indus Waters Treaty. India has maintained that dialogue and terrorism cannot coexist. This position was reiterated after the handshake incident.India also launched Operation Sindoor in May 2025. According to reports, this involved precision strikes against terror camps in Pakistan-occupied territory. The operation was a direct response to the Pahalgam attack, which India blamed on Pakistan-based groups.

Pakistan’s Call for Talks Meets India’s Long-Standing Conditions

Pakistan’s press release cited the handshake to advocate for talks. It emphasized “dialogue, restraint and cooperative measures” to prevent escalation. The statement also referenced proposals for peace talks and joint investigations.India’s stance, however, remains consistent and clear. Official sources state any meaningful engagement requires a terrorism-free environment. Verifiable security assurances and demonstrable action against militant groups are non-negotiable prerequisites for India.The Dhaka handshake, therefore, is unlikely to signal an immediate thaw. It is seen more as a diplomatic courtesy than a policy shift. The underlying issues of terrorism and accountability continue to define the relationship’s trajectory.

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The fleeting India Pakistan handshake in Dhaka highlights the complex dance of diplomacy. While Pakistan seeks to leverage it for talks, India’s focus remains on concrete action against terrorism as the only path forward.

Dropping this nugget your way-

Where did the Jaishankar-Sadiq handshake take place?

The handshake occurred in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Both officials were attending the funeral of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia on December 31.

What major event caused the recent India-Pakistan tensions?

Tensions escalated sharply after the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. The attack killed 26 tourists and was blamed on Pakistan-based militant groups.

How did India respond to the Pahalgam attack?

India responded with Operation Sindoor, conducting precision strikes on terror camps. It also scaled down diplomatic ties and suspended its role in the Indus Waters Treaty.

What is India’s condition for talks with Pakistan?

India insists that dialogue requires a verifiable, terrorism-free environment. Demonstrable action against anti-India militant groups is a key prerequisite.

Which news sources reported on this handshake incident?

The event was covered by major global agencies including Reuters. Details of Pakistan’s statement were reported by the Pakistani newspaper Dawn.

Trusted Sources: Reuters, Dawn, ANI