In a rare gesture of goodwill, India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, extended his congratulations to Shehbaz Sharif, the newly sworn-in Prime Minister of Pakistan. Sharif, who has returned to the premiership for the second time, leads the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), which has formed a coalition government with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and several smaller factions.
Modi’s congratulatory message was shared on a popular social media platform, marking a significant moment in the history of the two nations, which have been at odds since their partition in 1947. Despite their history of conflict, Sharif is perceived as a more peace-oriented leader towards India compared to his predecessor.
Sharif’s diplomatic approach was evident during his tenure as the Chief Minister of Pakistan’s Punjab province. He made a notable visit to India in 2013, where he met with then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and other officials. Modi reciprocated this gesture by attending a Sharif family wedding during an unexpected visit to Pakistan in 2015.
Under Modi’s leadership, India has seen a rise in Hindu nationalist sentiment. The leader, known for his populist approach, is aiming for a third term in the upcoming general elections. However, the diplomatic relations between the two countries took a hit during the tenure of former Pakistani PM Imran Khan, following a dispute over the Kashmir region.
The Kashmir issue remains a contentious point between the two nations, with both claiming the region in its entirety. The area, which has been the site of a prolonged and violent insurgency against Indian rule, continues to be a major hurdle in the path of peace between India and Pakistan.
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