Nawaz, Modi Exchange Greetings Following Indian Elections

‘Let us replace hate with hope and seize the opportunity to shape the destiny of the two billion people of South Asia.’

Nawaz, Modi Exchange Greetings Following Indian Elections

Three-time former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and India's recently reelected Prime Minister Narendra Modi exchanged pleasantries on the popular social networking platform X. 

Taking to X, previously Twitter, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz congratulated Modi on his record third election as Indian prime minister, despite defeats in the recent elections.

“My warm felicitations to Modi Ji on assuming office for the third time. Your party's success in recent elections reflects the confidence of the people in your leadership,” wrote Nawaz on his official X account.

"Let us replace hate with hope and seize the opportunity to shape the destiny of the two billion people of South Asia," said the former prime minister.

Modi reacted to Nawaz's message by stating, "I appreciate your message, Nawaz Sharif." The people of India always stood for peace, security, and progressive ideals." 

He said that enhancing the well-being and security of "our people shall always remain our priority."

Similarly, Modi reacted to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Nawaz's younger brother, as the two leaders of archrival nations engaged in diplomacy on X. 

A few hours after PM Shehbaz wished him well, Modi reacted on X: "Thank you @cmshehbaz for your good wishes."

Modi won a record-equaling third term, but he lost his absolute majority and now relies on regional parties for backing in his first coalition government.

Nuclear-armed adversaries and neighbors India and Pakistan have fought three wars, two of which were over the Kashmir issue. 

Ties between the nuclear-armed foes have been frozen since India removed the special status of India's Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ) state in 2019 and divided it into two federally controlled regions. 

New Delhi invited leaders from seven regional nations to Sunday's spectacular opening at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, or president's residence, but Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was not invited.