Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Monday that he is ready to hold peace talks with India to settle key issues like Kashmir, terrorism, water sharing, and trade. His statement comes shortly after both countries agreed to stop cross-border firing, which had increased after the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s Operation Sindoor.
Speaking in Tehran during his four-nation tour, Sharif said, “We want to resolve all disputes, including the Kashmir and water issues, through talks. We are also ready to discuss trade and counter-terrorism with our neighbour.”

After India carried out precise military strikes earlier this month, some reports said Pakistan might be ready to talk with India. But Prime Minister Narendra Modi made it very clear that India will only talk to Pakistan about two things, terrorism and getting back Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). He said, “Terrorism and peace talks can't happen together. We can't have both trade and terror. Blood and water can't flow at the same time. If there are any talks with Pakistan, they will only be about PoK and terrorism.”

India also said that any talks with Pakistan will only happen directly between the two countries, with no help or involvement from other nations. This was seen as a reply to USPresident Donald Trump's earlier offer to help solve the Kashmir issue.At a press conference with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that while Pakistan wants peace, it will not hesitate to defend itself if India chooses war.
He said, “If India stays aggressive, we will protect our country like we did recently. But if they accept our offer for peace, we are ready to prove that we are serious about it.” 

Earlier, on May 7, India carried out Operation Sindoor, hitting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. This came after a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 people were killed by Pakistan-based terrorists. In response, Pakistan fired missiles and drones at India. India then struck back by targeting several Pakistani army bases. On May 10, Pakistan reached out for a ceasefire. After military-level talks, both sides agreed to stop the fighting.