ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated the commitment to the “safety and security” of the Indian citizens as he responded to congratulatory messages from PM Shehbaz Sharif and his elder brother Nawaz Sharif who congratulated him for becoming the Indian premier for the third time.

The exchange was initiated by PM Shehbaz, who extended a succinct congratulatory message on X, saying: “Felicitations to @narendramodi on taking oath as the Prime Minister of India.” His brief message was reminiscent of a similar note that PM Modi had sent to him in March. PM Modi responded with a simple acknowledgement: “Thank you @cmshehbaz for your good wishes.”

In a notable diplomatic snub, PM Shehbaz was conspicuously absent from the list of regional leaders invited to attend Narendra Modi’s oath-taking ceremony on Sunday, highlighting the lingering chill in relations between the two countries.

The exchange between the leaders of the two neighbouring arch-rivals expanded with a more detailed message from Nawaz Sharif, who heads the ruling PML-N and had also attended PM Modi’s first inauguration in 2014.

In contrast to his young brother’s, the congratulatory note sent by the elder Sharif was “personalised” in nature and exuded warmth, as well as, a desire for collective peace in South Asia. “My warm felicitations to Modi Ji (@narendramodi) on assuming office for the third time. Your party’s success in recent elections reflects the confidence of the people in your leadership,” Nawaz Sharif posted. He further encouraged a hopeful outlook: “Let us replace hate with hope and seize the opportunity to shape the destiny of the two billion people of South Asia.”

The gesture, however, was not reciprocated by the Indian premier, who did “appreciate” the message but chose to stick to his “security” mantra. PM Modi reiterated India’s commitment to peace but linked it to a strong stance on security, especially in the context of Delhi’s allegations of cross-border terrorism. “Appreciate your message @NawazSharifMNS. The people of India have always stood for peace, security, and progressive ideas. Advancing the well-being and security of our people shall always remain our priority,” he replied.

According to analyst Mosharraf Zaidi, “Modi’s response to Nawaz Sharif is consistent with Modi’s policy posture over the last several years. In response to Sharif’s personalised (Modi Ji), collectivised (South Asia), and optimistic message (“hope”, “opportunity”), Modi refers to what Indians stand for, and uses the word security twice. More proof that Pakistani elites live in a cocoon unruffled by reality, and Indian elites continue to have no interest in any sort of détente.”

Strained ties

The Indian premier’s emphasis on security was notably underscored by an attack on a Hindu pilgrims’ bus in India-occupied Kashmir on Sunday, which coincided with the beginning of his third term.

The incident saw nine pilgrims killed and 33 injured when a bus, returning from the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, was targeted and crashed into a ravine near Reasi town. While no group claimed responsibility, Indian authorities suspected the involvement of Kashmiri insurgents.

The ongoing strain in India-Pakistan relations continues to be a critical issue in South Asian geopolitics, affecting regional and global dynamics.

Diplomatic relations between the two countries deteriorated after India revoked the special constitutional status of Occupied Jammu and Kashmir in 2019, at the beginning of PM Modi’s second term, and annexed the region — a decision strongly contested by Pakistan.

Zulqernain Tahir in Lahore also contributed to this report

Published in Dawn, June 11th, 2024