Modi Accepts Invite First Visit To Pakistan

According to a joint statement read out by the two countries’ foreign secretaries following the leaders’ meeting, the discussion had resulted in an exchange of views on all outstanding issues “of bilateral and regional interest”.

The two sides expressed confidence that the meeting would help in raising the level of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

Sheel Kant Sharma, a ex- SAARC secretary seneral, described it as a “big breakthrough”. The reason for this is very clear… For a smooth functioning of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a good relationship between India and Pakistan, which are set to become full members next year, is important. Asked about Kashmir not being mentioned in the joint statement issued after the Modi-Sharif dialogue, Dujarric said it is not for the United Nations to dictate what the two leaders discuss.

Friday’s raft of announcements, made during a joint briefing by Jaishankar and his Pakistani counterpart after the bilateral meeting, were welcomed by Modi’s colleagues in New Delhi.

“Just last month, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said that as long as Mumbai attacks’ alleged mastermind Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi is roaming free, no talks (would be held) with Pakistan”.

But the statement said Sharif had reiterated an earlier invitation to Modi, which had been accepted.

In another development, India agreed to send more evidence against terrorists being tried in Pakistan in connection with the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. “The government’s engagements with Pakistan have been in fits and starts”.

“The media always goes overboard when there is any India-Pakistan meeting and obviously if Prime Minister Modi travels to Pakistan next year, you will see the culmination of that”. There is no clarity or coherence in the government.

He stated that Russian Federation attaches importance to its relations with Pakistan and would like to further enhance them, particularly in the economic domain.

Kamil Ali Agha said that betterment is not expected from minds like those of Indian rulers.

“The meeting (of) Modi with Sharif clearly demonstrates how disrespectful Modi was towards Sharif”, Malik added. This statement is a departure and dilution.

Furthermore, with Pakistan and Afghanistan forming an entente and collaborating in bringing Taliban on negotiating table, New Delhi feels left out in the emerging geopolitical reality.

“Pakistan also claims that Indian intelligence is involved on its borders, destabilising the country”.

“One one hand courageous soldiers are dying and on the other hand, the Prime Minister has accepted Nawaz Sharif’s invitation to visit Islamabad without taking the nation into confidence. I am not aware whether the government has learned anything from past incidents, but we must teach a lesson to Pakistan”, he added. “Resumption of the Indo-Pak dialogue is a welcome development”.

This day, a BSF jawan died after being caught in Pakistani sniper fire in Baramullah sector of Jammu and Kashmir.

The neighbours have fought three wars since independence in 1947, two of them over Muslim-majority Kashmir.

“It is unfortunate that Modi ji met Nawaz Sharif today”.