Pakistan

Amid rising tensions, Modi reaches out to PM Nawaz

Modi calls PM to extend wishes for Ramazan; announces decision to release Pakistani fisherman on 'pious' occasion

Abdul Manan June 16, 2015

PHOTO: AFP

As Indian ministers continue to spew anti-Pakistan vitriol, Indian premier Narendra Modi called on Tuesday his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif.

"Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called PM Nawaz and greeted him on Ramazan," a PM House statement read. Modi also tweeted some details regarding his conversation with the prime minister, while announcing the Indian government's decision to release detained Pakistani fishermen.

Felicitating Indian premier's decision to release the fishermen, Nawaz Sharif later announced that Indian fishermen detained in Pakistan would also be released forthwith as a gesture of goodwill.

Also conveyed to PM Sharif our decision to release detained Pakistani fishermen on this pious occasion.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 16, 2015

The fishermen released will be able to be with their families to observe this blessed month.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 16, 2015

Modi also expressed his desire for cordial relations with Pakistan -- a sentiment that was reciprocated by Nawaz who said Pakistan and India should set aside their differences and work for peace in the region.

The phone call reportedly lasted five minutes.

Spoke to President @ashrafghani, PM Sheikh Hasina & PM Nawaz Sharif to extend my best wishes at the start of holy Ramadan on June 18.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 16, 2015

Read: Aziz urges international community to take note of rising tensions between Pakistan, India

Relations between Pakistan and India have been tense recently as Modi during his visit to Bangladesh not only accused Pakistan of terrorism but also acknowledged the Indian government’s role in the break-up of Pakistan in 1971. His cabinet members were more vocal and suggested that India should support terrorists to neutralise terrorists. Some even threatened carrying out ‘surgical strikes’ against terrorists inside Pakistan.

Read: Pakistan guns for peace amid Indian tirade

On his recent visit to China also, the Indian premier had reportedly opposed the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, fearing the project might be used in future for military purposes, sources claimed.

COMMENTS (36)

Rex Major | 8 years ago | Reply @Afzal: I want to ask you why you think our 71 defeat was worse than the one you suffered in 1962 vs China. Sure, the answer is: India's size, population was not reduced by half and no 90,000+ soldiers were POWs for 3 years in a country considered enemy - and they were treated humanely by the victors. Does this succinct answer help you? Although you guys claim that every Pakistani soldier is worth more that 10 - 51 - 20 (say the number you prefer) Indian soldiers, let me assure you Lt. Gen Aurora GOC-in-C Eastern Command did not have a million troops under his command.

Afzal | 8 years ago | Reply @Cool Henry: I have touched on some of the points you have raised ...in my other comments. As for Malala your information is incomplete and yet you guys dare fly over from a nearby gutter called India to unload your obsession on this page. Two of malala's assailants (directly involved in shooting) were actually punished by the court while enough evidence was not presented against those indirectly involved, thus as expected they were released. Given the challenges Pakistan inherited it has been essential to maintain a strong army to keep off evil eyes. And it will, when called , come to assist as at present , dealing with traitors and terrorists acting as proxies. As for the quality of our soldiers and your reference to 1971 you need to listen to FM Monekshaw of Indian army and you will know. Without going into detail and reasons for our army's defeat you guys have thrived ,and still are, on your one time clear victory. Against our three times less resourced and numbered. Explain how many times our army has surrendered to your army? And what has happened since 71, apart from India bleeding non-stop! We took stock of the aspects of our defence and despite being resource starved turned our country into a military power that must scare you down to your asz. I want to ask you why you think our 71 defeat was worse than the one you suffered in 1962 vs China. Read accounts or ask your elders what happened. In 1962 as opposed to our surrender shame your soldiers simply fled like rats, hiding wherever they found a hole as soon as they faced the Chinese soldiers. They say that the rats did not come out for a while even as the Chinese had withdrawn. What other example of a shameful and shortcut to cowardice can there be in any military history. The humiliation was so shocking that even today you guy feel a cold shiver down your spine, making you loose your sphincter control. One would not be surprised if your defeat has become written on you as your gene marker. I want to ask how you cope with that history...we want to see if we too can use your remedy. I certainly agree with you on the issue of Pakistani nukes. It embarrasses me too when a Pakistani makes a ready mouthful statement about nuclear weapons, in fact stupids are the people who behave that way. Anybody talking of nukes looks like an insecure but there are Hawks in every nation who would be ready to say anything that comes to their mind. Did our PM or army chief talk of nukes as mentioned by you?....never because they know their strength and do not need to feel insecure except when we are actually about to bomb you. Hope that will never happen as we can deal with you in other ways. We will never nuke you until you dare enter our territory and we have run out means to kill you or capture you. BTW Many people here would say that we should have ignored the cross border Myammer drama played by your soldiers.

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Milind | 8 years ago | Reply @Assad - "Pakistani civilian government and the military leadership are on the exact same page. " Because they have no other option... One of your elected PMs was hanged by your military leadership.. Another would have met the same fate at the hands of the usurper, had not the Saudis intervened.. Why doesn't your country have a civilian FM, unlike other 'normal' countries? Why does Raheel Sharif have to travel to US & Russia? Is it possible for a civilian to decide foreign policy and dictate to the army, as it happens in our country? Can a civilian PM dismiss the army chief? Where's the accountability of your army? So please don't feed us that crap.

Afzal | 8 years ago | Reply @Brar: You need to analyse Pak issues with a neutral mind. Pakistan existence was threatened from the very beginning, even its rightful assets were not handed over...apparently despite Mr Ghandi wanting that to happen. One can go on and on discussing the logic of partition but once the cabinet mission plan to defer was rejected by Nehru and party it was clear that even the mechanism of partition would be fiddled and not followed honestly. As a result Kashmir issue emerged and thanks to the limited resources Pakistan could not retrieve the state of J&K in its entirety. The struggles which resulted have since led to the two neighbours seeing each other as everlasting enemies. UN mediated cease fire as requested by Nehru , mediated by UN (category = non-enforceable !!) to be followed by future plebiscite has not materialised and India thinks Kashmir is no longer an issue. The West has only used the situation as it suited to them rather than brokering an honest solution. One is not surprised at the militancy that has thrived as a result in the State and is once again gaining renewed momentum with Pak flags being waved openly. So Pakistan has been faced with problems that even a supper power would find challenging. Our specific needs, survival and development , require that when ever necessary armed forces will intervene to assist (interestingly this has mostly happened on politicians' invitation). Ultimately both the civil and military leadership have evolved a method of making the country secure and work on economy. Despite You and your India crying we have also transformed into a very strong country in terms of our defence needs so that India has never dared to initiate any adventure against us despite times of some massive provocations...and quite wisely!

Indian | 8 years ago | Reply @Japon: :D very funny :P

Aschraful Makhlooq PK | 8 years ago | Reply Never trust Modi and India because India always is in search of opportunities to deceive and fool the Pakistani leaders and every time Pakistani leaders are easily deceived and fooled by the Indian leaders.Ih fact the reality is this that India never misses any opportunities and leaves no stone unturn to harm Pakistan and takes the full advantages of Pakistan's internal unrest....

S | 8 years ago | Reply Oh Modi! You don't have to do that just because US asked us to mend our relations. I don't mind your anti Pakistan stance. Infact, I laud you for being so clear about it. It will help our nation to stay vigilant of Indian designs and not getting confused by "Aman ki asha". I didn't think I will say this but I do miss Manmohan as Indian PM. A very sensible and level headed guy who did a lot for his country's economy and avoided unnecessary confrontation with Pakistan. Pak- Indian relation soured in his era and he neutralised the hostility very effectively. As for Modi, we Pakistanis will be lucky to avoid a war with India during his era.

Cool Henry | 8 years ago | Reply @Afzal: Pakistani Army has almost always been in control of ALL affairs in Pakistan. Results are there for all to see. It is now launching full scale war against it's own minions - only after they attacked their children. Even that is half-assed as evidenced by the release of Malala's killers and other terrorists. As for the quality of Pakistani soldiers, time and again they have proven to be barbaric against unarmed civilians, tribal/untrained irregulars, women and children which they identify with bravery. Whenever a professionally trained enemy shows up, they simply surrender. Remember '71. Plus, am not sure why folks in Pakistan are getting their underwears in a bunch. Modi said India helped Bangla people when they were being butchered...so what's new. The context and intent was Indo-Bangla relations. Pakistan was never mentioned. Neither was Pakistan mentioned when the terrorists were warned after Myanmar ops. But, the rabble rousing from India caused Pakistanis to start making nuke threats...which in turn diminished India's statements but drew every one's attention to the stupidity of Pakistani leaders - including the Army General - for taking the bait and reacting in such a childish manner - when Pakistan was not mentioned or singled out by anybody. So, stop being so insecure, have self-confidence and be/act mature. Threatening nuclear at the drop of a hat is stupidity.

satender rajput | 8 years ago | Reply Pakistanis don't be surprised, he is a nice person.

leon | 8 years ago | Reply Modi is smart....he figured out if the vitriol trend from India continues they will make a mockery of themselves

Kolsat | 8 years ago | Reply While this is civil gesture by Modi the vitriol of Pakistan and Pakistanis continues. So far no Pakistani leader has ever wished their counterpart well on Hindu festival of Diwali.

Brar | 8 years ago | Reply @Afzal: The finest Army that is why they have been toppling elected Governments it is due to your finest Army that the country is in this state, the things were going in right direction when Vajpayee visited Pakistan but your finest Army stabbed in the back.

Mytake | 8 years ago | Reply @sardar khan.. Your ignorance is visible in your comments. For Pakistanis to realize who they are they need to listen to Pakistani Tarek Fateh and read his books. Then you will get enlightenment.

Naeem | 8 years ago | Reply Modi better give this message to the Indian Muslims (minority of 180 million or more), who he is supposes to protect. Pakistani Muslims will manage themselves.

Another Indian | 8 years ago | Reply @Samir.. Thats how seasoned politicans roll... Your PM can learn a thing or two from Modi.

Allah Ditta | 8 years ago | Reply Shallow words and a bluffy diplomatic move. Approach with caution. Apply the game theory (chicken/prisoner's dilemma) and you have the perfect answer.

Sundar | 8 years ago | Reply Out of courtesy Modi called Sharif and greeted him for Ramzaan. No reaching no nothing. Why you guys make mole out of a mountain.

Puppet | 8 years ago | Reply @Wise: says who? Another fool. Ha,ha,ha...

Bobb Mack | 8 years ago | Reply @samir: If the advice is to Modi then it is not even going to touch even his most superficial brain cells. He can not maintain his threats, he is coward. To subdue us he goes back half a century and quickly finds some excuse to shame us tabout our 1971, at the same time admitting Indian role which technically was consistent with terrorist activity of one country against another. Even if Indians do have an ongoing burning desire to cheaply boast that they were victorious against our East Pak army contingent, fighting 1000 miles away from its other wing and without much supplies, I do often wonder what they think about their stunningly humiliating & dirty defeat in 1962(vs China). That experience which made their soldiers flee from the border like rats and squirrels had paralysed Indian psyche, leaving a permanent scar on their genetic material. I think if they have even a v bit of shame left they should not keep making silly noises about our past failures. More over a nation which learns from its weaknesses and take appropriate measures to plug gaps is not a nation defeated. In fact since 1971 we have become a very strong nation who can deal a devastating blow to its enemies.

N.S | 8 years ago | Reply @Milind: Just read the other headline news "Kerry calls NS and appreciates Pakistan anti-terrorism policy, all initiated by Pak army. NS has nothing to do or very little to do with this policy.

Afzal | 8 years ago | Reply @Milind: You are severely mistaken! Our Army is one of the finest army in the world...far from being rogue....one that binds the country together in the current circumstances.What ever is left of Pakistan it is because of armed forces who despite being far less resourced have kept you guys on your heels if not knees. Problem of the region will begin to resolve once India steps down from its euphoric ladder and face problems like a mature leader. Otherwise we are never going to rest until all genuine problems have been properly dealt with.

Afzal | 8 years ago | Reply @Words of wisdom: Love him or hate him, he is your stuff...totally unstable and untrustworthy man. He has taken no time to forget what ranting and raving he recently did...now he suddenly is on the other track. In all the recent tension nawaz Sharif has proven what an amazing statesman and mature person he is. Nevertheless we should continue to show how genuinely concerned we are about peace of this region while the Indian Prime minister has different agenda and is probably only trying to respond to daddy Obama's recent peace advice.

Kam | 8 years ago | Reply Modi lost his psychological warfare tactic by playing aggressive bluff. Now he thought do something before things get out of control and not to ruin economy under nuclear threat and naive Nawaz like slways would play on his tune.

Last Word | 8 years ago | Reply Modi is quite misunderstood in Pakistan because of his past but after taking over as PM, he has dispelled all the negative propaganda against him by reaching out to neighbours and Indian Muslims positively. However, Pakistan remains the only neighbour where he has not been successful so far. The main hurdle which remains between the two countries are the proxies which Pak establishment considers as assets who ensures their predominance in the country. Such a faulty foreign policy followed for several decades has only harmed Pakistan's interests who are paying a heavy price in terms of disturbed internal situation, failing economy and spoiling of relations with all neighbours especially India. Only change of this mindset regarding use of proxies will bring peace and prosperity to the people of both countries otherwise status quo would remain harming both countries.

Sardar KHAN | 8 years ago | Reply @Milind: The real trouble with you Indians is you don't accept the reality of Pakistan's existence from your heart.You and your hinduata mentality will make you double faced people.To fool the world opinion,terrorist Modi calls Nawaz Sharif under the guise of saying Happy Ramadan and also emphasizing his calls to Hasin of BD.and Ghani of Afghanistan.That shows his cunningness to fool his countrymen,that it wasn't a call to Pakistan PM. for improving the relationship but a gesture to Muslims of the region only,nothing else.He was under tremendous pressure after his stupid remarks about 1971 incident.He may be able to fool his countrymen but can't fool us.We know,he is our No:1 enemy and can't trust him ever.One phone call can not rub off the damage him and his ministers have done to the relations between the countries last few weeks.We know Chankiya's policy very well and will be double vigilant against indian devilish designs agaist our beloved country. As for as your outburst about our Army is danm stupid and uncalled for.Being the armed forces of our country,it is their duty to defend at all cost.In doing so,if it irritates Indians is a good sign that they are doing their job well.We Pakistanis salute them.More they irritate Indians the better it is.

Parvez | 8 years ago | Reply Modi's blow hot......blow cold......strategy, apparently going nowhere.

Assad | 8 years ago | Reply @Milind: This is what we call "bakvaas" that you spout! Pakistani civilian government and the military leadership are on the exact same page. The military do not need to justify their existence and budget. Your bullying attitude takes care of proving their need for us. Unlike Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, Pakistan will not be cowed down by India. We are not in your "sphere of influence" and we will not let you bully us. Not one citizen of Pakistan will ever accept that regardless of how high and mighty you may think you are.

Wise | 8 years ago | Reply @puppet, there is no need for us to make you a fool, you already are!!

Japon | 8 years ago | Reply Mr Modi scared by words of our General good show by our army

Bewildered | 8 years ago | Reply Its like slapping someone and then saying sorry. And the very next moment punch the other with full force.

Puppet | 8 years ago | Reply We don't need the carrots Mr.Modi. Fool somebody else with this jesture.

London Banker | 8 years ago | Reply The call lasted 5 minutes . . . They say Mr. Modi ran out of credit then.

Words of wisdom | 8 years ago | Reply Indian PM is truly a Rockstar! LOVE him, or hate him.. but u can't ignore him!

samir | 8 years ago | Reply Step 1: Extend Wishes Step 2: Go back to rhetoric Step 3: Threaten and malign Pakistan through an incident Step 4: Repeat

Milind | 8 years ago | Reply We Indians have no issues while dealing with Pakistan's civilian leadership, especially Nawaz Sharif. He has exhibited statesmanship in the past when Vajpayee was around and seems to be a sensible guy. In fact Modi has gone out of his way to mend relations with the neighboring countries - Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and that was easy since these have civilians at the helm. Its the rogue army of Pakistan that has sabotaged any peace processes, trying to keep the Kashmir pot boiling, to justify their budgets and existence and all this sabre-rattling was meant for them.

Prestige | 8 years ago | Reply Nawaz must not reply, Modi's statements make him and India look like a generous big brother, while in the background Modi pursues an anti-Pakistan policy. This statement was just a save-face for the Indian state, we should ignore this statement to show the prestige of our nation. This statement will be to show in the future that India 'tried' peace but failed, although actually they are beibg two faced and helping Nawaz adopt a reason to support Indian peace talks. We must keep the door of diplomacy mostly shut till pro-Pakistan statements spread out or at least this anti-Pakistan rhetoric dies out.

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Amid rising tensions, Modi reaches out to PM Nawaz

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