New Delhi, July 1 -- Former Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) chief Amarjit Singh Dulat on Wednesday advocated for restarting diplomatic conversations with Pakistan, arguing that New Delhi must directly confront Islamabad on its soil-based terrorism.

His remarks come amid a wider public debate triggered by a joint letter signed by over 100 prominent citizens from both India and Pakistan, urging both governments to restore peace, normalcy, and bilateral dialogue.

While acknowledging India's long-standing position that "terror and talks can't go together," Dulat suggested pivoting the framework of engagement to address security concerns head-on.

"We should talk about why Pakistan is sheltering terror," Dulat told ANI. "We have said this ...