Pakistan

Nuclear Security Summit: Obama invites Nawaz, Modi to Washington moot

Conference to offer both premiers another opportunity to discuss bilateral ties

News Desk December 27, 2015

PHOTO: AFP

With a surprise stopover piquing the interest of the world, thoughts are already turning towards when Prime Ministers Nawaz Sharif and Narendra Modi would meet again to carry on the latest wave of rapprochement. The wait may not be as long as anticipated with a meeting expected late March in the power centre of the world, Washington.

Nawaz, Modi meeting has 'underlying conflict of interest': Imran

The heads of government of the two nuclear states have been invited by US President Barack Obama to attend the Nuclear Security Summit from March 31-April 1, 2016.

While an official announcement with regards to the invitations is yet to be made, The Hindu reported on Sunday the two are expected to attend the summit. The fourth Nuclear Security Summit had been announced by Obama during the previous edition of the moot in 2014.

For Nawaz and Modi, the conference would offer the first planned opportunity of 2016 to carry forward bilateral ties which have seen some icy lows and relative heights this year. After a series of surprise meetings between officials of the two countries, Modi’s surprise visit to Lahore on Friday, the first by an Indian premier to Pakistan in over a decade, signalled a further improvement in ties. It also afforded both sides to agree on a meeting between their respective foreign secretaries in mid-January to restart talks.

“Prime Minister Modi’s unexpected visit to Lahore is a welcome development.

“Let us hope it leads to an improvement in trust between Delhi and Islamabad,” said R Nicholas Burns, Professor of the Practice of Diplomacy and International Relations at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

Modi departs from Pakistan after brief surprise visit

“I hope this thaw will permit India and Pakistan and Afghanistan to work successfully together on stabilising the region,” said senior fellow for India, Pakistan, and South Asia at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) Alyssa Ayres.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 28^th, 2015.

COMMENTS (9)

Shahid | 8 years ago | Reply Right thing to do, inviting the heads of both regional states is important because stability in the region whether it is defense or nuclear cannot be possible without Pakistan and India. The U.S. must treat both states on equal grounds to maintain the balance in political dynamics. Inclusion of both states in nuclear supplier group would be good for sustainable development.

ghazal | 8 years ago | Reply USA, ARM TWISTING or pressure on India to give Pakistan breathing space , so that america can have discussion on Pakistani tactical nuclear weapons. which are of greater concern for USA then ISIS. Modi visit is not as rosy as it seems

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PrasadDeccani | 8 years ago | Reply @Spooky: Pres. Obama wants to sign off leaving a legacy of his own. Probably he chose to solve India-Pak issues to justify his noble prize.

Kamal | 8 years ago | Reply Beware enemies bearing gifts and sudden warmth. Be very wary. There is one supreme Indian goal for al this bonhomie.- attempt to become a Permanent of the security Council. That Pakistan cannot tolerate, India having a veto power. So until assurances of both Pakistan and India as Permanent members no peace will exist between Pakistan and India. Gen Raheel Sharif, the patriot, understands this and will step in at the right time nip the bud, so to speak. Hard luck neighbors, better luck next time with no hidden agenda.

Skywalker | 8 years ago | Reply @Wajahat Khan: Both are democratic nations and can resolve issues via peace, unlike some rouge nations.

Wajahat Khan | 8 years ago | Reply Mr Obama should ask about Indian ambitions to develop intercontinental ballistic missiles. It can be a challenge for the US in near future.

Robert | 8 years ago | Reply Pakistan is an active participant in the nuclear security summit process, and works closely with the IAEA's Office of Nuclear Security to promote best security practices. Pakistan has developed a robust command and control mechanism over nuclear assets. The conditions of Pakistan's nuclear materials security have improved through strengthened laws and regulations, so as to reflect the latest nuclear security guidelines by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

echoboom | 8 years ago | Reply Big Daddy has summoned , me slave is in a tizzy The "massa" has called , its time now to be busy forget not to watch this important news but pls. don't show when I lick his shoes.

Spooky | 8 years ago | Reply Some thing is going on behind the seen diplomatically. Why suddenly Afghanistan Pakistan India united State and the issue of Kashmir become focal point. Lets hope its best for our region because things can get muddy in hurry.

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