NEW DELHI: With the holy month of Ramazan beginning soon, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to his counterparts in the neighbouring muslim majority countries, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, as he wished them for the festival.
Modi called up Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif, Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, and Afghan President Dr. Ashraf Ghani. He conveyed the good wishes for the holy month of Ramadan to them and their people. He expressed hope for peace, tranquility and harmony in their countries and in the region during this month of piety and prayers.
Modi in his telephonic conversation with Sharif conveyed India's decision to release detained Pakistani fishermen on the "pious" occasion of Ramzan. He reiterated to Prime Minister Sharif his message of peaceful, friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries," said an official release.
"Also conveyed to PM Sharif our decision to release detained Pakistani fishermen on this pious occasion...The fishermen released will be able to be with their families to observe this blessed month," he tweeted.
Pakistan and India have been involved in a war of words recently with leaders from both sides exchanging sharp comments after Modi's critical remarks about Pakistan during his Dhaka visit and in the wake of India's military action in Myanmar.
IN his call to Hasina, Modi thanked her for his successful visit to Bangladesh and the extraordinary hospitality, friendship and goodwill that he received from the people and government of Bangladesh. He expressed confidence that the visit has set the stage for a new era in bilateral cooperation and regional partnership between the two countries, the PMO statement said.
Prime Minister assured President Ghani of India's steadfast commitment to support Afghanistan in its efforts to build a peaceful, stable, secure and prosperous nation.
Modi’s call to Sharif assume significance as it is likely to tone down rhetoric on both sides in wake of recent happenings.
Sharif last week attacked the "irresponsible and imprudent" statements from the Indian political leadership and had vowed to protect his country's "vital interests at all costs". Even both the Houses of Pakistan's Parliament, the Senate and the National Assembly, had unanimously passed resolutions condemning the remarks of Indian leaders. Pakistan had termed Modi’s remarks in Dhaka as "unfortunate."
