NEW DELHI: India today downplayed reports of US President-elect Donald Trump lavishing praise on Nawaz Sharif during a telephonic conversation but said it will welcome US-Pakistan talks to resolve the issue of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan.
"I will reserve my judgement. We have seen only one side of the conversation. And that conversation does talk about the US President-elect willing to resolve all outstanding issues of Pakistan. We believe that the most outstanding issue of the outstanding issues is Pakistan's continued support to terrorism. "To that extent, we will welcome a dialogue between the US and Pakistan to resolve that issue," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said.
According to a press release from Sharif's office, the Pakistan Prime Minister had called Trump last night to congratulate him and during the conversation the US leader said, "You (Sharif) are a terrific guy. You are doing amazing work which is visible in every way. I am looking forward to see you soon. As I am talking to you Prime Minister, I feel I am talking to a person I have known for long." Trump also told him that Pakistan is an "amazing" country with "tremendous opportunities", the statement added.