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

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.