Pakistan’s Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday declared that Islamabad would not “beg” New Delhi for dialogue, asserting that any aggression from India would be met with a forceful response.

Speaking to the media, Dar reiterated Pakistan’s long-held stance that it is open to a “composite dialogue” with India covering all unresolved matters, including Jammu and Kashmir, but only on terms of “dignity and equality.”

India, however, maintains its firm position that talks with Pakistan can only take place on the issues of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) and cross-border terrorism.

The mechanism of composite dialogue between the two countries, which began in 2003 under General Pervez Musharraf, collapsed after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks that left 166 people dead. The process was designed to address eight contentious subjects ranging from Kashmir and terrorism to trade and cultural exchanges but has remained frozen for over a decade.

Dar also invoked recent military exchanges, warning that Pakistan’s forces are prepared to counter India “by land, air or sea” if provoked. He claimed Pakistan’s narrative had gained international traction through active diplomacy, while also praising the capability of its armed forces.

His comments came in the backdrop of heightened tensions following India’s Operation Sindoor on May 7, when Indian forces struck multiple terror hubs in PoJK and Punjab province in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people. According to Indian security officials, the strikes eliminated more than 100 terrorists and destroyed several camps.

Between May 8 and May 10, Pakistan attempted retaliatory strikes on Indian military installations. However, Indian forces launched a counter-offensive targeting key Pakistani positions. The hostilities ended on May 10 after Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations reached out to his Indian counterpart seeking a ceasefire, which was mutually agreed upon.