Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif extended his congratulations to Narendra Modi on his re-election as the Prime Minister of India. This congratulatory message was shared via Sharif’s official X account, highlighting Modi’s electoral victory and urging for a new chapter in Indo-Pak relations.
Nawaz Sharif, the leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), acknowledged Modi’s political success, stating, “My warm felicitations to [Narendra] Modi Ji on assuming office for the third time. Your party’s success in recent elections reflects the confidence of the people in your leadership.” Sharif’s message not only recognized Modi’s leadership but also called for replacing hostility with hope, aiming to transform the future of the two billion people living in South Asia.
Nawaz Sharif’s gesture comes in a historical context marked by fluctuating relations between the two neighboring countries. In 2014, Sharif attended Modi’s swearing-in ceremony when Modi first became Prime Minister. However, the bilateral ties have significantly deteriorated over the past decade, largely due to Modi’s Hindu nationalist agenda, which has exacerbated tensions.
A pivotal moment in recent Indo-Pak relations was in 2019, when India, under Modi’s leadership, revoked the special autonomy of Jammu and Kashmir. This move, widely celebrated in India, led Pakistan to suspend bilateral trade and downgrade diplomatic relations with New Delhi. The revocation intensified the already strained relations and cast a long shadow over prospects for peace and cooperation.
Narendra Modi was sworn in for his third term as Indian Prime Minister on Sunday, following the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) securing 293 seats in the general elections. This result, while a victory, fell short of the landslide wins the BJP enjoyed in previous elections, defying many analysts’ expectations and exit polls.
The reduced majority forced Modi into swift negotiations with the 15-member coalition, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), ensuring he had the parliamentary numbers required to form a government. This political maneuvering highlights the changing dynamics within Indian politics and Modi’s adaptability in maintaining his leadership position despite the electoral setbacks.
Earlier in the day, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also extended his congratulations to Modi. This brief but significant gesture marked the first official comments from Pakistan since the election results were announced. Shehbaz Sharif’s message on X read, “Felicitations to Narendra Modi on taking oath as the prime minister of India,” acknowledging Modi’s leadership in rival India.
Modi reciprocated with a message on X, stating, “Thank you @cmshehbaz for your good wishes,” showcasing a moment of diplomatic civility amidst the historically tense relations.
The exchange of congratulations between the leaders of Pakistan and India could signal a potential thawing in bilateral relations. Nawaz Sharif’s call for replacing hate with hope and his emphasis on shaping a better future for South Asia’s two billion inhabitants reflect a desire for a more peaceful and cooperative relationship between the two nations.
given the complex history and the deeply entrenched political and ideological differences, any significant improvement in relations would require sustained efforts and substantial diplomatic engagements from both sides. The future of Indo-Pak relations will depend on addressing core issues such as the Kashmir conflict, cross-border terrorism, and mutual economic interests.
