Islamabad/Tehran: Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has offered peace talks with India during his tour of four countries, but has reiterated his old demand for Kashmir. Sharif is on a visit to Türkiye, Iran, Azerbaijan and Tajikistan from 25 to 30 May, where he discussed regional cooperation and recent India-Pakistan tension. According to India Today's 27 May 2025 report, Sharif said in a joint press conference with Iranian President Masood Pezeshakian in Tehran, "We want to resolve all issues like Kashmir, Terrorism, Water Damition and Trade by negotiation." However, he also warned that if India chooses the path of "aggression", Pakistan is ready to answer. Is this offering step towards peace, or will regional tension further increase? Let's look at the facts.
Sharif's tour of Türkiye and statement on India
Sharif started his visit from Türkiye, where he met President Recep Taip Erdogan. According to the Hindustan Times's 26 May 2025 report, Sharif expressed his gratitude for Türkiye's "Atal support in the Indo-Pakistan struggle" and called it a "victory of Pakistan". He described India's Operation Sindoor as "aggression", in response to which Turkey provided drones to Pakistan. Sharif said, "Pakistan wants peace, but we know how to protect ourselves." India demanded Turkey to stop terrorism support for Pakistan, which Turkey rejected.
There is talk of peace in Tehran, but emphasis on Kashmir
In Tehran, Sharif met the Iranian President and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamani. According to The Hindu's 27 May 2025 report, Sharif expressed his desire to negotiate with India, but placed a condition to solve Kashmir on the basis of United Nations resolutions. He said, "We are ready to negotiate business, water and terrorism, but India will also have to show seriousness." However, Iran deferred mention of India or Kashmir in its official press release, contrary to Pakistan's expectations. Navbharat Times reported that Iran paid more attention to the Gaza issue and Islamic unity.
Operation vermilion and regional tension
Sharif's visit is taking place after recent India-Pakistan military tension. According to India Today, in response to the terrorist attacks in Pahalgam on 22 April 2025, in which 26 people were killed, India carried out attacks on terrorist bases in Pakistan and PoK under Operation Sindoor on 7 May. In response, Pakistan carried out drone and missile attacks, after which both countries agreed to the ceasefire in US mediation. Sharif described it as "Pakistan's victory" and thanked US President Donald Trump, Türkiye, China and Saudi Arabia.
India's stance
India has taken a tough stand on Sharif's peace offer. Foreign Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said, "Pakistan first curb terrorism and vacate PoK, only then talks are possible." According to the Times of India, India urged Türkiye and other countries to stop terrorism support to Pakistan. India also clarified that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are an integral part of India. Many users on X described Sharif's statement as "hollow".@jpsin1 Posted on 27 May, "First return the PoK, then talk."
Regional and global impact
Sharif tour is an attempt to strengthen relations with Türkiye, Iran, Azerbaijan and Tajikistan. According to The Week's 24 May 2025 report, the journey is an attempt to form a regional alliance against India, especially with the support of Türkiye and Iran. However, Iran avoided comment on Kashmir in view of its good relations with India. According to Reuters, Sharif supported Iran's "peaceful nuclear program", which is a matter of concern for India and Western countries.
conclusion
Shahbaz Sharif's Türkiye and Iran tour is part of regional support and attempt to reduce tension with India. His peace talks offer are positive, but the support of countries like Kashmir and Türkiye is a matter of concern for India. India's attitude is clear - first steps should be taken on inconvenience and PoK. Will Sharif's diplomacy bring peace to South Asia, or is it only a diplomatic show? The answer will be found in the coming months.
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