Pakistan envoy ‘encouraged’ by Modi’s remarks on India relations

[Halimi]

The International Spectator - Pakistan envoy 'encouraged' by Modi's remarks on India relations

Pakistan said Wednesday it was “encouraged” by comments from arch rival India’s election frontrunner Narendra Modi who stressed cooperation with foreign governments if he was elected prime minister.

Hindu nationalist hardliner Modi and his opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) party are expected to vault to power at mammoth elections underway in India after a decade of centre-left Congress party rule.

Critics fear Modi will adopt a tough foreign policy that could see relations deteriorate with traditional rival Pakistan and neighbouring emerging market giant China.

But Pakistan High Commissioner Abul Basit said he welcomed Modi’s comments in a television interview late Tuesday that he would pursue the policies followed by former BJP premier Atal Behari Vajpayee.

“I was very much encouraged. They were very positive. It gives us hope that if he is elected as prime minister we should expect more positive things,” Basit told a small gathering of journalists in New Delhi.

Vajpayee sought several times during his tenure to make permanent peace with Pakistan which has fought three wars with India, two of them over Kashmir, since their split in 1947.

Rest of article here

 

[thesolar65]

Now wait for comments....35 minutes and still no comments?

 

[he-man]

Now wait for comments....35 minutes and still no comments?

Some pakistanis might have smashed their laptops and ttp guys may have been directed to get this kafir when he comes to al-bakistan

 

[halupridol]

NEW DELHI: Pakistan on Wednesday said it was "encouraged" after BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi's remarks regarding ties with foreign countries and asserted that it was looking forward to a stable government here to engage "quickly, comprehensively and meaningfully".

Making a strong pitch for resumption of dialogue process, Pakistan high commissioner Abul Basit said talks were the only way to resolve outstanding issues and no one nation does any "favour" by talking, indicating that stopping of talks by India was not good for bilateral ties.

Interacting with women journalists here, Basit also said his government was committed to change the bilateral narrative of conflict into one by cooperation and mutual trust.

Asked about BJP's view that all those who do not support Modi should go to Pakistan, the high commissioner said, "I have seen all the statements and remarks (by his party and him) but the best statement came on Tuesday night from the prime ministerial candidate and I feel much more encouraged.

"His (Modi) response when a question was asked about Pakistan was very positive and that gives us hope that positive things will come... I am indeed encouraged."

In an interview on Tuesday, Modi had asserted that he would take forward former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's principles on foreign policy and said, "I believe mutual respect for one another and cooperation should be the basis for relationships with foreign nations."

Basit also downplayed BJP leader Giriraj Singh's remarks that all those who don't respect Modi should go to Pakistan, saying these were "rhetorics" used during electioneering.

The Pakistani envoy also said that his government was "keenly looking forward to a government with which Pakistan (can engage) quickly, comprehensively and meaningfully... and move from conflicting relations."

Strongly favouring the resumption of dialogue, Basit said Pakistan hopes that there were resumption of talks to resolve outstanding issues. "We should also preserve and build on past agreements and treaties," he added, citing examples of Indus water treaty and some understanding on demilitarisation of Siachen.

Asked about a perception that 'Pakistan was most dangerous country', Basit said, "Pakistan was not most dangerous country but most misunderstood country".

'Encouraged' by Narendra Modi's remarks on ties: Pak envoy Abul Basit - The Times of India

 

[SrNair]

Why this Congress government cant propose something like this?
Now I have really a doubt about Nehru family.

 

[dray]

Zyada khush hone ki zaroorat nehi hai, expect a more assertive India.