Abstract
The resolution of a conflict for sustainable peace is akin to peaceful dialogue leading to the creation of win-win situation for all the stakeholders involved in a conflict. Holding of peace talks is an instrument for sustainable peace in the contemporary situation of Afghanistan. Four key players involved in Afghan conflict are the US, Afghanistan, Pakistan and China. Trust deficit between Pakistan and Afghanistan, coercive approach of the US towards various Taliban fractions is the major cause of hindering substantive progress towards the larger goal of peace in the region. Taliban, at the same time, demand a complete withdrawal of the foreign troops as a precondition for holding the peace talks that is unacceptable to other stakeholders. Pakistan’s apprehensions about Indian presence in Afghanistan vis-à-vis its anti-Pakistan drives also render the efforts of peace talks as an ineffectual campaign. Hence, peace can only be achieved through win-win situation for all the stakeholders, paving the way for sustainable peace in the region that is analogous to affluence and prosperity. The paper essentially elaborates the various dynamics and implications of Afghan peace talks that have been held in the past with a focus to perceive the future prospects of peaceful settlement of Afghanistan. The paper examines the convergence and divergence of the interests of all the stakeholders involved in the peace process.