New Delhi

Former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria has suggested that Pakistan is being positioned as an intermediary in the ongoing West Asia conflict, describing the move as part of a broader US effort to maintain indirect communication with Iran.

In an interview with ANI, Bisaria said the conflict, now in its second month, remains tense with continued hostilities and no formal peace negotiations underway. He noted that both sides have publicly outlined rigid demands, making immediate dialogue unlikely.

According to him, Washington appears to be relying on trusted channels to keep lines of communication open with Tehran. He argued that Pakistan has been chosen to play this role once again, pointing out that it has historically acted as a conduit for sensitive diplomatic exchanges involving the United States and its adversaries.

Bisaria recalled past instances where Islamabad facilitated backchannel communication, including during the early 1970s when secret US-China contacts were established, and during the Iran hostage crisis in 1981, when Pakistan and Algeria assisted Washington.

He explained that the United States typically prefers intermediaries that have access to the opposing side’s power structures while also being capable of maintaining confidentiality. In this context, he said Pakistan fits the criteria due to its strategic ties with the US, geographic proximity to Iran, and its ability to engage with regional players.

He also noted that Pakistan’s location could make it a potential venue for indirect engagement or logistical coordination if tensions escalate further. Additionally, he pointed out Islamabad’s recent diplomatic outreach efforts involving countries such as Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt.

However, Bisaria cautioned that Pakistan may face challenges in balancing its relationships with multiple global stakeholders, including the US, China, and Gulf nations, while attempting to play such a role.

On India’s position, he said New Delhi maintains strong ties with various stakeholders involved in the conflict, which gives it the potential to contribute to peace efforts. However, he emphasised that India is unlikely to assume a role similar to Pakistan’s, particularly one that involves acting under external influence.

He suggested that while India could eventually play a constructive role in promoting stability, it should do so independently and at an appropriate stage of the conflict.

Meanwhile, developments on the ground indicate continued uncertainty. Iranian officials have dismissed recent claims by US President Donald Trump that Tehran had sought a ceasefire.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that communication channels with US representatives remain open but clarified that these exchanges do not amount to formal negotiations. In an interview with Al Jazeera, he stated that while messages are being exchanged through official channels, there are currently no active talks underway.

READ MORE: Aneesa Sayyad: The ‘Golden Girl’ of Indian shooting

The conflict, which began on February 28, has significantly heightened tensions across West Asia and disrupted global energy supply chains, with no clear resolution in sight.