Eidul Azha: Pakistani, Indian forces exchange sweets at Wagah border

Officers from both sides also embraced each other on the festive occasion

As a goodwill gesture, the Pakistan Rangers and India's Border Security Force (BSF) exchanged sweets at the Wagah Border to mark Eidul Azha on Wednesday.

Photos of both sides exchanging the sweets emerged on Indian  news outlet ANI, in which the heads of the Pakistan Rangers and Border Security Force can be seen not only exchanging sweets but embracing each other on the festive occasion.

Exchange of sweets and greetings between Pakistan Rangers & Border Security Force at Wagah Border on the occasion of #EidAlAdha. pic.twitter.com/7UGcaqn6Mh

— ANI (@ANI) August 22, 2018

It is a tradition for Indian and Pakistani soldiers to exchange sweets on days of national importance for the two countries and on the occasion of major festivals every year. The annual practice is a confidence building measure and an attempt to establish peace between the nuclear-armed neighbours.



However, both sides did not exchange sweets on the occasion of Eidul Fitr in July this year in defiance of a long-held tradition over New Delhi’s continued ceasefire violations.

Indian forces regularly broke the ceasefire agreement on the border which has resulted in the martyrdom of many innocent people in recent months, and the exchange of sweets in this tense atmosphere was not appropriate.

Precedence for such an occurrence can be found in the past as well, especially on the Wagah Border.