PM Modi's Ramadan Diplomacy With Sharif

PM Modi's Ramadan Diplomacy With Sharif

NEW DELHI: With the holy month of Ramadan beginning soon, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to his counterparts in the neighbouring Muslim majority countries Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, and wished them ahead of the festival.

Modi called up Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina and Afghan President 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 the 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 Ramadan. He reiterated to Sharif his message of peaceful, friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries,” said an official release.

Modi’s call to Sharif assumes significance as it is likely to tone down rhetoric on both sides in the wake of recent happenings. “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,” Modi tweeted.

Pakistan and India have been involved in a war of words 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 expressed confidence that the visit has set the stage for a new era in bilateral cooperation and regional partnership between the two countries.

Modi also assured Ghani of India’s steadfast commitment to support Afghanistan.

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