Reiterating his vision for peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia, the Pakistan PM said he looked forward to working with Modi to advance these objectives

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan Sunday called up his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi and congratulated him on BJP’s resounding victory in the Lok Sabha elections, according to Pakistan Foreign Ministry spokesperson.

Khan expressed his desire for both countries to work together for the betterment of their people, the spokesperson said. Reiterating his vision for peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia, the Pakistan PM said he looked forward to working with Modi to advance these objectives.

Khan had also tweeted his congratulations to Modi on his massive win and had expressed he was looking forward to working with his Indian counterpart for peace and prosperity in South Asia.

Confirming the development, the Ministry of External Affairs said PM Modi during the telephonic conversation called for creating trust and an environment free of violence and terrorism for fostering peace and prosperity in the region. “The Prime Minister thanked the Prime Minister of Pakistan for his telephone call and greetings,” it said.

Recalling his initiatives in line with his government’s “neighbourhood first” policy, Modi referred to his earlier suggestion to Khan to fight poverty jointly, the MEA said. “He stressed that creating trust and an environment free of violence and terrorism were essential for fostering cooperation for peace, progress and prosperity in our region,” it added.

The results of India’s general elections are very significant for Pakistan as the formation of the next government in New Delhi will determine the course of Indo-Pakistan ties. The relationship between the two nuclear-armed nations has nosedived ever since the Pulwama terror attack and subsequent Balakot air strikes.

In an interview to The Indian Express, PM Modi had said the “way ahead” with the neighbouring nation Pakistan depends on the action it takes against terrorism.

Balakot air strikes in Pakistan before the polls soared Modi’s popularity in India. The IAF air strike and action against Pakistan featured many times during Modi’s Lok Sabha election campaign.

Notably, Khan had batted for a second-term for the Modi-led BJP saying there may be a better chance of peace talks with India if the incumbent government is back.

Modi and Khan are scheduled to meet at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan next month.