Even though there are currently no indications of a thaw in relations between the two nations, Pakistan’s recently elected prime minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his wishes on social media on Thursday.
In response to PM Modi’s equally succinct statement “Congratulations to [PM Sharif] on being sworn in as the Prime Minister of Pakistan,” Mr. Sharif remarked, “Thank you [PM Modi] for felicitations on my election as the Prime Minister of Pakistan.”
Notably, Washington announced on Wednesday that it would welcome discussions between the two nations and praised the statement.
At a routine briefing, U.S. State Department spokeswoman Mathew Miller stated, “The United States values its relationship with both India and Pakistan, and we want to see them have a productive and peaceful relationship.
To a particular question concerning negotiations on Jammu and Kashmir, he responded, “We would welcome productive and peaceful talks between India and Pakistan, but the pace, scope, and character of any dialogue is a matter for India and Pakistan to determine.”
Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan on the praises of the PM
Mr. Modi’s message to Mr. Sharif on Tuesday marked India’s first recognition of the Sharif government despite controversial elections and allegations of rigging. However, officials and analysts argue that the greetings followed “protocol” and did not signify added warmth in public messaging between them. Both parties’ messages were exchanged over social media platform X, without any letters being exchanged, as is the normal convention.
However, Pakistani counterpart Shehbaz was sworn in for the first time in 2022. In this message, Modi emphasized India’s desire for peace and stability in a region free of terror, allowing them to focus on development challenges and ensure the well-being and prosperity of their people. Both countries have general elections in 2024, with Pakistan holding in February and India in April or May. However, India’s rhetoric did not gain momentum in Pakistan and Delhi.
Thanks to global leaders for their praise on taking office, says PM Shehbaz
Pakistan‘s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for congratulating him on assuming the top office.
Shehbaz was elected as Pakistan’s Prime Minister for the second time consecutively after securing 201 votes with the backing of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P).
The rare public exchange between the heads of the two arch-rival states highlights the close relationship between the two nations.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz has been praised by world leaders and diplomats for his victory in the National Assembly. Shehbaz, who lost the election to Omar Ayub Khan, a candidate from the Sunni Ettehad Council (SIC) in the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed party. Shehbaz thanked his brother, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, for his warm wishes and prayers upon his appointment. He expressed confidence that the fraternal ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia will continue to flourish and expressed hope for continued cooperation.
Shehbaz also thanked Qatari leaders for their gracious messages on his election, including Amir of Qatar HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Deputy Emir Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani, and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani of Qatar. Shehbaz expressed Pakistan’s cherishing of its brotherly ties with Qatar and expressed a desire to work closely with Qatar to strengthen their exemplary bonds of friendship.
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