PM Modi calls up Imran Khan, discusses diplomatic ties and peace

In response to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party chief’s welcome address to the nation four days ago, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Imran Khan and congratulated him on his party’s poll victory. Modi’s gesture came after Khan announced that he would take oath as Pakistan’s Prime Minister on August 11.

The official confirmation, tweeted by MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar, says that both the leaders spoke on various issues of diplomacy and initiated peace in the South-East Asia. Kumar wrote,  “Prime Minister expressed hope that democracy will take deeper roots in Pakistan”, adding, “Prime Minister also reiterated his vision of peace and development in the entire neighbourhood.”

PM @narendramodi spoke to Mr. Imran Khan, Chairperson of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf Party. pic.twitter.com/fQHNLd7QTm

— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) July 30, 2018

Though the actual duration was not revealed, it is expected that conversations on various issues including trade, strategic partnership, Kashmir issue, among others were discussed. As reported in the Indian Express,  PM Modi made the call at 9 pm on Monday and recalled his meeting with Khan that took place in December 2015. Though the report do not convey any conversation on “terror-free atmosphere”, which Khan had spoken four days ago while addressing the people of Pakistan.

In his address a couple of days ago, Khan had said that after forming his government in Pakistan, he would initiate talks with India on peace in the region. He had said, as IE reports, “If India takes one step towards us, we will take two steps toward them…but at least (we) need a start. Right now, it is one-sided where India is constantly just blaming us.”

PTI emerged victorious on July 26, securing 116 seats out of 270. Khan’s intention to improve relations with India was initiated last month when he had called Indian High Commissioner Ajay Bisaria at Iftaar gatherings last month. With Khan taking oath before the Pakistan’s Independence Day (August 14), relations are likely to improve between the two ‘friendly’ nations soon.