Whether or not the Mughal Empire could have defused the situation diplomatically is still a matter of discussion. The ability of the Mughal state to find and imprison Afghan fugitives in its border regions is a seriously doubtful issue as is the actual number of fugitives who in fact escaped to these regions to begin with. It is very possible that they were an insubstantial number. Nader Shah's intention to invade Mughal India would have continued, regardless of whether or not the Mughal authorities granted his request for seeking out and handing over fugitives. It is quite probable that Nader Shah utilised the demand for fugitives & the demand not having been met in full, as a pretext to invade & plunder.