Pakistan Expresses Desire for Cooperative Ties with India Ahead of Modi’s Swearing-In Ceremony
Pakistan reiterated its desire for “cooperative ties” with all its neighbors, including India, ahead of Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony as the Prime Minister. The foreign office spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, stated that Pakistan aimed for the resolution of disputes through dialogue, emphasizing the importance of talks in fostering relations.
However, when questioned about Pakistan’s response to Modi’s electoral victory and the lack of congratulations extended, Baloch remained evasive. She asserted that it was the right of the Indian people to decide their leadership and refrained from commenting on India’s electoral process. Baloch deemed it premature to congratulate Modi amid the ongoing government formation process in India.
Despite recent rhetoric from Indian BJP leaders, Baloch claimed that Pakistan had been acting responsibly. Notably, while several countries, including the United States, congratulated PM-elect Modi, there was no customary message from Pakistan.
This stands in contrast to past gestures of goodwill between the two nations. When Imran Khan’s party, PTI, emerged victorious in 2018, Modi congratulated him before his swearing-in as Prime Minister. Similarly, earlier this year, Modi congratulated Shehbaz Sharif on becoming the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated following India’s revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, leading to a downgrade in diplomatic ties. The relationship deteriorated further after the Pulwama terror attack and subsequent airstrikes by India on terror camps in Balakot. Despite India’s stance on normalizing relations, contingent upon Pakistan curbing cross-border terrorism, diplomatic efforts remain strained.
The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance secured a significant victory in India’s general elections, winning 293 seats compared to the Opposition alliance’s 234 seats.
