PM calls up Sharif, extends Ramzan wishes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today called up his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif and extended best wishes on the occasion of Ramzan while stressing the need for having "peaceful" and "friendly" bilateral ties amid a war of words between the two countries.

In his telephonic conversation, Modi also conveyed to Sharif India's decision to release detained Pakistani fishermen on the "pious" occasion of Ramzan.

"He reiterated to Prime Minister Sharif his message of peaceful, friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries," said an official release.

Pakistan and India have been involved in a war of words recently with leaders from both sides exchanging sharp comments after Modi's critical remarks about Pakistan during his Dhaka visit and in the wake of India's military action in Myanmar.

Modi also spoke to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani.

"He conveyed the good wishes for the holy month of Ramadan to them and their people. He expressed hope for peace, tranquility and harmony in their countries and in the region during this month of piety and prayers," said the release.

In his conversation with Hasina, Modi thanked her for his "successful visit" to Bangladesh and the "extraordinary hospitality, friendship and goodwill that he received from the people and government of the country.

He expressed confidence that the visit has set the stage for a new era in bilateral cooperation and regional partnership between the two countries.

The Prime Minister assured President Ghani of India's "steadfast commitment" to support Afghanistan in its efforts to build a peaceful, stable, secure and prosperous nation.

"Also conveyed to PM Sharif our decision to release detained Pakistani fishermen on this pious occasion," Modi later tweeted     about his conversation with Sharif.

"The fishermen released will be able to be with their families to observe this blessed month," he said in another tweet.

Pakistan and India have been criticising each other in the last few days.

Sharif last week attacked the "irresponsible and imprudent" statements from the Indian political leadership and had vowed to protect his country's "vital interests at all costs".
Also, both the Houses of Pakistan's Parliament, the Senate and the National Assembly, had unanimously passed resolutions condemning the remarks of Indian leaders.

Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore had said in the wake of the military action in Myanmar that it was a message to other countries which was interpreted as a warning to Pakistan.

Pakistan had also described as "unfortunate" the remarks made by Modi during his visit to Dhaka where he had accused it of creating "nuisance" and constantly troubling India by promoting terrorism.