ISLAMABAD: Diplomatic Exchanges between India and Pakistan Follow Modi’s Third Term Inauguration
Following Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony for his third term as Prime Minister, leaders of Pakistan and India engaged in diplomatic communications on Monday.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, along with his elder brother and former three-time Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, extended congratulations to Modi through posts on a social media platform within hours of each other. Nawaz Sharif expressed confidence in Modi’s leadership and called for replacing animosity with optimism, while Modi responded by highlighting India’s commitment to peace, security, and progress.
Although Modi secured a record-equalling third term, he lacks an outright majority and relies on regional parties for support in his coalition government.
India and Pakistan, nuclear-armed rivals and neighboring nations, have a history marred by three wars, with two centered on the disputed Kashmir region. Relations between the two countries have remained strained since India revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019.
Despite invitations extended to leaders of seven regional countries for Modi’s inauguration, Nawaz Sharif was not included.
A few hours after Shehbaz Sharif’s well-wishes, Modi responded on the same platform, thanking him for his good wishes.
Nawaz Sharif has consistently advocated for peace with India, a stance that reportedly contributed to tensions with Pakistan’s military during his previous tenure from 2013 to 2017.
However, analysts remain skeptical about the prospect of immediate peace talks between the two nations.
“Modi is not prepared yet,” stated author and defense analyst Ayesha Siddiqa. While there are some ongoing backdoor diplomatic initiatives, Siddiqa suggested they may represent only a tentative beginning.
