India committed to resolve issues through talks: Modi on Pak national day

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday greeted the people of Pakistan on their national day, close on the heels of President Pranab Mukherjee stating that India remains committed to peaceful, friendly and cooperative relations with the neighbouring country.

"Greetings to the people of Pakistan on their national day," Modi said on twitter.

Modi greeted his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif and asserted that India remains committed to resolving bilateral disputes through peaceful dialogue.

According to Dawn, Modi in his message reiterated India's desire to build good neighbourly relations with Pakistan.

"India remains firmly committed to resolving all outstanding issues with Pakistan through a peaceful bilateral dialogue in an atmosphere free from terrorism and violence," he said.

The message comes as a development with both the nations taking steps to move ahead after the major seatback to bilateral ties caused by the Pathankot attack.

A team of Pakistani investigators is set to visit India from Sunday for collecting evidence related to the attack.

Read: Pakistan looking to have 'normal' ties with India: Basit

Pakistan High Commission in Delhi has organised a series of events to mark the day, including a reception, which is expected to be attended among others by Kashmiri separatist leaders.

On who will represent the government at the Pakistan national day celebrations at their High Commission, External Affairs Ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup said a senior Minister will attend.

Mukherjee had on Tuesday said, "India remains committed to peaceful, friendly and cooperative relations with Pakistan. I am of the firm conviction that our cooperation will lead to progress and prosperity in our region. I take this opportunity to extend my best wishes for your good health and well-being," he had said in his message on Pakistan's national day.

Pakistan envoy Abdul Basit, who invited Hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani and Asiya Andrabi among others to attend 'Pakistan Day' function, said that this was not an issue at all as Hurriyat leaders had been attending the reception for years.

"Hurriyat leaders have been coming to our reception for years now, so we do not see this as an issue as far as Pakistan is concerned," Basit said.

Eyebrows have always been raised whenever Pakistan has invited separatist leaders for different events sparking controversies.

Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh had represented the government at the Pakistan National Day reception last year causing uproar.