Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday emphasised India's commitment to peace, security, and progressive ideals in response to congratulatory messages from former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif and the current Pakistani counterpart Shehbaz Sharif.
Nawaz Sharif, chief of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N), took to social media to commend Modi's leadership and the success of his party in the recent Lok Sabha elections. "My warm felicitations to Modi Ji (@narendramodi) on assuming office for the third time. Your party's success in recent elections reflects the confidence of the people in your leadership," Nawaz Sharif said. He further added, "Let us replace hate with hope and seize the opportunity to shape the destiny of the two billion people of South Asia."
Modi, acknowledging the sentiment, replied, "Appreciate your message @NawazSharifMNS. The people of India have always stood for peace, security and progressive ideas. Advancing the well-being and security of our people shall always remain our priority."
Shehbaz Sharif also congratulated Modi through a post on 'X', the social media platform. "Felicitations to @narendramodi on taking oath as the Prime Minister of India," he wrote. Modi responded with gratitude, saying, "Thank you @cmshehbaz for your good wishes."
The electoral victory of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has garnered international attention, with leaders from nearly 100 countries extending their congratulations to Modi. Notably, seven leaders from India's neighbouring countries and the Indian Ocean region attended the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Modi and the Union Council of Ministers.
India-Pakistan Relations
The goodwill exchanges aside, the relationship between India and Pakistan has been fraught with tension, particularly since the 2019 Pulwama terror attack followed by India's airstrike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist training camp in Balakot, Pakistan. The situation worsened after August 5, 2019, when India revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the state into two union territories.
India has consistently stated its desire for normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan but insists that Islamabad must create an environment free of terror and hostility for meaningful engagement.