India for better ties with Pak, Modi replies to Sharif

New Delhi: Carrying forward the saree- shawl diplomacy with Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has replied to his letter, stating that he is looking forward to working closely with Pakistan in an atmosphere free from confrontation and violence in order to chart a new course in the bilateral relations between the two countries.

The saree-shawl diplomacy was, however, marred by the ceasefire violation on the LoC with shells being fired in the civilian areas on Friday. Pakistani troops targeted Indian posts along the LoC in the Mendhar sector in J&K, drawing retaliation from the Indian Army. This was the first-ever ceasefire violation by Pakistan ever since Modi came to power.

Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh had earlier batted for giving diplomacy a chance saying, “India’s policy towards its neighbours has been to work towards peaceful and cordial relations and “that is where the sari and shawl and the letter diplomacy fits in.” Later, however, she made it abundantly clear that “Peace on the border is a pre-requisite for establishing normal relations.”

Defence Minister Arun Jaitley, would be visiting LoC for two-days over the week-end for reviewing the situation. Significantly, PM Modi had a three-hour- long meeting with Army Chief General Bikram Singh on the situation in LoC and LAC. The Prime Minister addressed Sharif as “Dear Mian Sahib” in the letter and thanked him for his letter dated June 2. He said that he was encouraged by the discussions with him and the convergence in their views.

“A relationship between India and Pakistan defined by peace, friendship and cooperation would unleash enormous opportunities for our youth, secure a more prosperous future for our people and accelerate progress across our region,” he stated.

It may be recalled that Modi had sent a shawl for Sharif’s mother when the latter came to attend his swearing-in-ceremony. Modi, in return, received a white saree for his mother from Sharif, who expressed his gratitude for the present and tweeted that he will send the gift to his mother very soon. Later, the photograph of his mother in white saree was also tweeted. With the latest developments of ceasefire violations, Prime Minister Modi is expected to talk tough with Pakistan. Sources stated that the saree-shawl diplomacy could be relevant only till such time as there was peace in the LoC but if the situation gets worsened, Modi will find it difficult to carry forward the diplomatic initiatives.