Modi expresses gratitude to Sharif

Two weeks ago, Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj visited Pakistan to attend a meeting on Afghanistan.

The CPI(M) welcomed the visit and called for “consistent and regular” dialogue with Pakistan for lasting peace between the two neighbours.

“Looking forward to meeting PM Nawaz Sharif in Lahore today, where I will drop by on my way back to Delhi”, Prime Minister Modi said in a tweet. Both the leaders agreed to keep talking informally.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arranged his surprise visit to Pakistan – the first by an Indian leader in a decade, at the last minute on Friday, a Pakistani official said.

The foreign secretaries of both counties are to meet in Islamabad at the end of the month, Chaudhry said.

Modi very almost did that but in the reverse order, beginning the day in Kabul and stopping over in Lahore before returning to India. This is Modi’s first visit to Pakistan and the first trip by an Indian prime minister to the country in 12 years.

Sharif has been an advocate of better ties with India and eager to enhance trade. Within Pakistan, there are questions on India’s role in Afghanistan.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) wondered as to what was the change that prompted Modi to visit Lahore when the BJP opposed talks with Pakistan.

The opposition Congress Party called Modi’s visit irresponsible and said that nothing had happened to warrant warming of ties between the rivals.

Other analysts urged to take a more cautious view.

Sayeed said he was delighted by Modis visit which will further strengthen the bonds of friendship and usher in an era of peace and stability in the region. “There is a danger of reading too much into that”, Najam said, adding that false expectations eventually “become a recipe for future heartbreak”.

This is a good idea as a traditional build-up to an Indian PM’s visit to Pakistan would have seen different interest groups bringing all kinds of pressure to bear on the two governments.

Mr Chaudhry explained that Mr Modi phoned Mr Sharif and asked if he could make a stop in Pakistan on his way home. He said police have also been deployed on the adjoining areas of the airport. Therefore, out of the box diplomacy was need of the day and that is what we saw even when Modi invited Sharif for his swearing-in… there is an element of surprise in diplomacy… The visit coincides with Sharif’s birthday and the wedding of his granddaughter.

According to diplomatic sources, India was under intense worldwide pressure following Pakistan’s strong stance at the United Nations and submission of three dossiers comprising proofs of Indian involvement in subversive activities in Karachi and Balochistan.

Sayeed hoped that the assembly between the two leaders will present the a lot-wanted momentum to the Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue for peaceable decision of all points between the two nations.