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Key Points

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has proposed Saudi Arabia as a neutral venue for dialogue with India, suggesting US-mediated talks at the National Security Advisor level. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, however, maintains a hard stance, rejecting any negotiations unless Pakistan stops terrorism and leaves Kashmir. The proposed agenda includes sensitive topics like Kashmir, water rights, trade, and counter-terrorism efforts. Despite the diplomatic tension, both sides' military operations suggest a gradual de-escalation of bilateral hostilities.

Key Points: Shehbaz Proposes Saudi Talks as Modi Rejects Pakistan Dialogue

  • Shehbaz seeks Saudi neutral venue for India-Pakistan dialogue
  • Modi refuses talks unless Kashmir occupation ends
  • NSA-level discussions proposed on terrorism and trade
  • Tensions slowly de-escalating between nations
2 min read

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif proposes Saudi Arabia as neutral venue for talks

Pakistan PM suggests Saudi mediation for India talks, but Modi stands firm on no negotiations until terrorism ends

"If Pakistan continues to export terrorists, it will be left begging for every penny - Narendra Modi"

Islamabad/New Delhi May 22

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday proposed Saudi Arabia as a neutral venue for talks with India, stating that the United States could take lead as a mediator between the two countries.

Talking to journalists in Islamabad, Sharif said that if there are going to be talks between India and Pakistan, they will be at the National Security Advisors (NSA) level, adding that the agenda of the talks would be focused on Kashmir, water, terrorism, and trade.

Shehbaz also said that the tensions between India and Pakistan are de-escalating in phases since the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) on both sides started engaging with each other.

"If talks were held between the two arch rivals, the National Security Advisor will lead Pakistan's side in the process. Saudi Arabia can be a neutral venue with the US leading mediations. But India has not agreed to any neutral venue for talks till now," he said.

"The agenda of the talks would be Kashmir, water, trade, and terrorism. These will be the key points during Pakistan-India talks," Sharif added.

Shehbaz said that the decision to promote Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir to Field Marshal, was taken solely by the government after consultation in the Federal Cabinet and getting a nod from Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) founder and brother Nawaz Sharif.

The Pakistani's PM's comments came on a day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India's firm stance against terrorism, saying there would be no talks or trade with Islamabad unless it relinquishes its illegal occupation of Kashmir.

"If there is to be any talk, it will be on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). If Pakistan continues to export terrorists, it will be left begging for every penny. It will not get a single drop of Indian water," he said while addressing a massive public rally in Rajasthan's Bikaner.

PM Modi also made it clear that "playing with the blood of Indians will cost Pakistan dearly".

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Why always third-party mediation? India and Pakistan are mature nations who should talk directly. Saudi/US involvement will only complicate matters further. First Pakistan must stop cross-border terrorism - that's non-negotiable. 🇮🇳
P
Priya M.
Interesting proposal but our PM Modi is absolutely right - talks can only happen when Pakistan stops its terror factories. They promote COAS to Field Marshal while supporting militants? Irony died a thousand deaths! 👏
A
Amit S.
Neutral venue ka drama again? Last time UAE was mediator, nothing happened. Pakistan's army controls foreign policy - until that changes, no point in talks. Focus should be on developing our border infrastructure first.
S
Sunita R.
Water and trade discussions could benefit common people on both sides, but Kashmir is integral part of India - no compromise there. Pakistan keeps changing its stance like seasons. First they must prove sincerity with actions, not words.
V
Vikram J.
Honestly, we're tired of this Pakistan drama. Every new PM comes with "peace talks" offer while their army keeps sending terrorists. Let's focus on China border first - that's the real long-term challenge for India.
N
Neha T.
While I appreciate peace efforts, why involve Saudi/US? We had successful talks in past without mediators. Also, terrorism and Kashmir can't be on same table - one is criminal activity, other is our sovereign matter. Priorities matter!

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