In what was seen as a veiled reference to Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked his "colleagues in the region" for their "heartfelt congratulations" at last night's meeting, in which the only newsworthy entry was that of former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
Nawaz Sharif, the President of Pakistan's ruling party- Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), congratulated PM Modi as his party, the BJP-led NDA, won the recent Lok Sabha elections to form the government for the third consecutive time.
"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. Let us replace hate with hope and seize the opportunity to shape the destiny of the two billion people of South Asia," Nawaz Sharif posted on X.
Responding to this, PM Modi appreciated Nawaz Sharif's gesture, emphasizing India's enduring commitment to peace, security, and progress.
"Appreciate your message, Nawaz Sharif. The people of India have always stood for peace, security, and progressive ideas. Advancing the well-being and security of our people shall always remain our priority," Prime Minister Modi wrote on X.
Interestingly, Nawaz Sharif's younger brother and Pakistan's Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, also extended brief congratulations to PM Modi on Monday afternoon.
"Felicitations to Narendra Modi on taking oath as Prime Minister of India," Shehbaz wrote
It's worth recalling that PM Modi made a surprise visit to Lahore on Christmas Day in December 2015 and spent time at the Sharif family's Jati Umra residence.
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