‘India Desires Cordial Relations With Pak’: PM Modi to Imran Khan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L) and Pakistan PM Imran Khan.

(Photo: Altered by The Quint)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a letter to his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan on Tuesday, 23 March, said that India desires cordial relations with Pakistan but in an atmosphere ‘devoid of terror and hostility,’ reported news agency PTI.

The letter, which the government maintained is a routine exercise, was written on the occasion of Pakistan Day.

“As a neighbouring country, India desires cordial relations with the people of Pakistan. For this, an environment of trust, devoid of terror and hostility, is imperative,” he wrote in the letter, reported PTI.

The letter also called COVID-19 a “difficult time for humanity”, and conveyed Modi’s best wishes to Khan and the people of Pakistan “for dealing with the challenges” of the pandemic.

A separate letter was reportedly sent by President Ram Nath Kovind to his Pakistani counterpart Arif Alvi.

‘Important for Delhi-Islamabad to Work Together’: Pak Envoy

Meanwhile, Pakistan High Commission charge d'affaires Aftab Hasan Khan said it was important that New Delhi and Islamabad work towards eliminating poverty and illiteracy.

“Pakistan wants to have good relations with its neighbours. It’s important that instead of war, we work towards eliminating poverty and illiteracy. It would only be possible if there is peace. For peace to prevail, issues must be resolved through dialogue.”

Aftab Hasan Khan

The envoy’s remarks came after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi announced that they will be attending the ‘Heart of Asia’ conference in Tajikistan capital Dushanbe later in March.