New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday sought to reach out to Pakistan once again by ordering the release of detained Pakistani fishermen “on the pious occasion” just ahead of “the start of the holy (month of) Ramzan on June 19”, even as he called up Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif and reiterated his “message of peaceful relations, friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries”.
While expressing “hope for peace, tranquillity and harmony in the region”, Prime Minister Modi also called up Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to wish them ahead of the start of the Holy month. The outreach to Pakistan comes just after strain in ties following a cross-border operation of the Indian Army in Myanmar against militants based there.
Following that operation, a Union minister had earlier indicated that it was a message to all nations in the neighbourhood that harbour intentions of terror against India'. Pakistani politicians had reacted fiercely to the comment while the Pakistan Army was furious. “Spoke to President @ashrafghani, PM Sheikh Hasina & PM Nawaz Sharif to extend my best wishes at the start of holy Ramzan on June 18. Also conveyed to PM Sharif our decision to release detained Pakistani fishermen on this pious occasion. The fishermen released will be able to be with their families to observe this blessed month,” Mr Modi tweeted.
In an official statement, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke on telephone to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif of Pakistan and President Ashraf Ghani. He conveyed the good wishes for the holy month of Ramzan to them and their people. He expressed hope for peace, tranquillity and harmony in their countries and in the region during this month of piety and prayers.”
The statement said, “He reiterated to Prime Minister Sharif his message of peaceful, friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries. ... He (Mr Modi) thanked Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for his successful visit to Bangladesh and the extraordinary hospitality, friendship and goodwill that he received from the people and government of Bangladesh. He expressed confidence that the visit has set the stage for a new era in bilateral cooperation and regional partnership between the two countries.
