‘Creating Trust, Terror Free Environment Essential For Peace In The Region’: PM Modi Tells Imran Khan

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday (26 May) called PM Modi to congratulate latter on his big election victory. During the conversation, PM Modi outline the terms of engagement with Islamabad in his second term and told his Pakistani counterpart that in order to foster peace, progress and prosperity in the region, it is essential to create trust and an environment free of violence and terrorism, reports Times of India.

It was the first conversation between both the prime ministers after the Indian air strikes targeting Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camp in Balakot on 26 February.

According to the report, readouts of the conversation released by the both countries emphasised on different aspects of the exchange. Khan, according to the Pakistani foreign office spokesperson, reiterated his “vision for peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia” and said that he was looking forward to working with PM Modi to advance these objectives.

PM Modi, on the other hand, made it clear that end to terrorism and violence was a condition for resumption of dialogue between both the countries. This was in line with Modi government’s preparedness to retaliate against terrorism and its crackdown on Pakistani-alligned elements in the Kashmir Valley.

Both the leaders are expected to meet in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan in mid-June at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. It will be PM Modi’s first multilateral outing after assuming the office for the second time.