Terrorism & Poverty: Khan, Modi Discuss Way Forward for India-Pak

Imran Khan congratulated Modi on his party’s electoral victory in Lok Sabha elections, Pak FO Spokesperson said.

File image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L) and Pakistan PM Imran Khan.

(Photo: Altered by The Quint)

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday, 26 May, spoke to his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi and expressed his desire for both the countries to work together for the betterment of their peoples, the Foreign Office said.

Khan also congratulated Modi on his party's electoral victory in the Lok Sabha elections, Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal said in a tweet.

Reiterating his vision for peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia, Prime Minister Khan said he looks forward to working with Prime Minister Modi to advance these objectives, he said.

Khan expressed his desire for both countries to work together for betterment of their peoples, he added.

The Indian Ministry of External Affair confirmed on Sunday that PM Modi had received the telephone call.

“PM Modi, in his telephonic conversation with Pakistan PM Imran Khan, stressed that creating trust and an environment free of violence and terrorism were essential for fostering cooperation for peace, progress and prosperity in the region,” the MEA said in a statement, as per ANI.

“Recalling his initiatives in line with his government’s neighbourhood first policy, PM Modi referred to his earlier suggestion to the Pakistan PM to fight poverty jointly,” it added.

On Thursday after the election results, Khan tweeted in both English and Urdu: "I congratulate Prime Minister Modi on the electoral victory of BJP and allies. Look forward to working with him for peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia."

In April, Khan said he believed there may be a better chance of peace talks with India and settling the Kashmir issue if Modi's party BJP wins the general elections, PTI reported.

Modi and Khan are scheduled to meet at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan next month.

Modi on Thursday led his Bharatiya Janata Party to a landmark victory for a second five-year term in office, winning 302 seats in the 543-member Lok Sabha.

(With inputs from PTI, ANI)