ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated arch rival India's Narendra Modi on being sworn in as Prime Minister for third term, in first response by Islamabad to election results across border.

"Felicitations to @narendramodi on taking oath as Prime Minister of India," Sharif said in post on X, day after Modi took his oath and nearly week after election results were declared on June 4. Felicitations to @narendramodi on taking oath as Prime Minister of India.

Modi was sworn-in on Sunday for record equalling third term after shock election setback as he lost his outright majority and is dependent on regional parties for support in his first coalition government. Nuclear-armed rivals and neighbours India and Pakistan have fought two wars and engaged in numerous clashes, mainly over control of Kashmir region in Himalayas. The elder Sharif took to the social media platform and congratulated Prime Minister Modi over his election for the record third time.

"My warm felicitations to Modi ji on assuming office for the third time," Sharif said in a message shared on his official X handle on Monday. "Your party’s success in recent elections reflects the confidence of the people in your leadership." He added, "Let us replace hate with hope and seize the opportunity to shape the destiny of the two billion people of South Asia."

His statement immediately triggered a debate on the social media platform with his supporters calling him a statesman while others criticised him for ignoring the current ground realities. Within hours of Nawaz’s tweet, Modi responded both to the Prime Minister Shehbaz and PML-President. Interestingly, responding to Shehbaz’s tweet, Modi kept his response brief. He thanked him for good wishes.

However, Modi was more forthcoming in responding to elder Sharif, with whom he enjoyed a good relationship during his first term as Indian prime minister. “Appreciate your @NawazSharif message. The people of India have always stood for peace and security and progressive ideas.

Advancing the well-being and security of our people should always remain our priority,” Modi wrote on twitter responding to Nawaz’s felicitation message. Observers believe that Modi clearly linked the normalisation of relationship with Pakistan committing to ending alleged cross border terrorism. Many of Modi’s supporters were appreciating him for taking a clear stance.

Published in The Daily National Courier, June, 11 2024

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