Bhubaneswar, June 5, 2025: Following India’s bold military action under Operation Sindoor, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has signalled interest in engaging in dialogue with India, but without showing what he called “any sign of desperation.”

India’s Operation Sindoor and Retaliation

India launched Operation Sindoor from May 7 to May 10, 2025, as a direct response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists. India blamed Pakistan-backed groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba for the attack.

In retaliation, Indian forces used jets, drones, and missiles to hit nine terror hubs, including Muzaffarabad, Muridke, and Bahawalpur in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The situation escalated further when Pakistan responded on May 10 with drone and missile attacks on Indian military and civilian targets.

India hit back by targeting nine radar and military installations. A ceasefire was reached on the same day, ending the region’s most intense hostilities in years.

Pakistan Opens to Talks, But India Stays Firm

At a press conference in Islamabad on June 4, Ishaq Dar expressed Pakistan’s willingness to hold talks with India, including on the Indus Waters Treaty, which India had suspended after the Pahalgam attack.

However, Dar clarified, “We are not under pressure. We’re open to dialogue on all issues but will not beg for it. Talks require two willing parties.” He criticized India for refusing to engage on what he termed “serious concerns” like water disputes.

India has maintained a tough stance, stating it will only discuss two issues — terrorism and the return of PoK. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reiterated this policy recently, aligning with India’s long-standing position.

India Denies Strikes on Civilian Targets

Responding to Pakistan’s claims of Indian strikes on cities like Attock and Peshawar, Indian officials dismissed the accusations, insisting that only terror-linked sites were targeted.

At the Shangri-La Dialogue on June 1, India’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, reaffirmed that Indian strikes were focused solely on terror infrastructure, not civilians.

Mixed Global and Domestic Reactions

Internationally, reactions have been cautious. Indian diplomat Shashi Tharoor expressed disappointment over initial Colombian support for Pakistan but confirmed that Bogotá withdrew its stance after India presented evidence of Pakistan’s terror links.

Social media in Pakistan has seen growing public support for talks, citing economic concerns and the Prime Minister’s repeated calls for peace. However, Indian public and political sentiment remains unmoved, demanding accountability for cross-border terrorism and clarity on PoK.

Can Talks Move Forward?

Pakistan’s fresh offer of dialogue appears aimed at reducing regional pressure and regaining diplomatic footing after Operation Sindoor. But with India’s non-negotiable stance on terrorism and PoK, the path to productive dialogue remains uncertain.

The next few months could be critical for South Asia’s geopolitical future, as both nations assess whether diplomacy or deadlock will shape their ties.

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