ISLAMABAD: While thanking world leaders who congratulated him on assuming office, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday responded to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a notably restrained manner on X (formerly Twitter).

The premier’s succinct message, “Thank you @narendramodi for felicitations on my election as the Prime Minister of Pakistan,” mirrored Mr Modi’s own coolly worded congratulations a few days prior, marking a clear contrast to their interactions from April 2022.

The exchange comes after the US said it would welcome productive and peaceful talks between India and Pakistan.

When PM Shehbaz first took office in 2022, the exchange between the two leaders was characterised by a hopeful tone regarding normalisation of ties between the two countries.

Mr Modi had then extended hearty congratulations to Mr Sharif and underscored a willingness for normalisation while also pointing out concerns over terrorism.

Mr Sharif’s reply at the time was equally warm and conciliatory, thanking Mr Modi for his felicitations and advocating for the peaceful resolution of conflicts to foster socio-economic development.

He further sought meaningful engagement in a subsequent letter to Mr Modi, where he emphasised the importance of addressing bilateral issues, including the Kashmir dispute.

The latest exchange has, meanwhile, taken on a notably cooler tone on social media.

A day earlier, US State Department Spokesperson Matt­hew Miller — while commenting on the congratulatory message from Mr Modi to PM Shehbaz — had said: “We… welcome [PM Modi]’s statement. The United States values its relations with both India and Pakistan, and we want to see them have a peaceful and productive relationship.”

Published in Dawn, March 8th, 2024

Opinion

Editorial

Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...