After paying a brief but symbolically significant visit to his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif on his birthday here, Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for New Delhi late on Friday evening.
“Infusing a positive spirit in the neighbourhood, PM @narendramodi departs from Pakistan after a few hours in Lahore,” tweeted Vikas Swarup, Official Spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs.
“PM @narendramodi visits PM Sharif’s home in Raiwind, where his grand-daughter’s wedding is being held. After blessing the bride, PM departs Raiwind accompanied by PM Sharif who will see him off,” he tweeted.
However, the MEA spokesperson said during their brief meeting, Prime Ministers Modi discussed Indo-Pak relations with his Pakistani counterpart. “Beyond the noise, a personal connect. The Prime Ministers discuss #IndiaPakistan relations in Raiwind.”
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi met Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif at latter’s residence Raiwind Palace, the ancestral home of the Sharifs. “In a first, both PMs flew together in a chopper to Raiwind, home of PM Nawaz Sharif,” tweeted Vikas Swarup, Official Spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs.
Prime Minister Modi also wished his Pakistani counterpart on his birthday. “Birthday wishes for PM Sharif, best wishes for #IndiaPakistan relations,” tweeted Swarup.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif received his Indian counterpart at Lahore airport. Both the Prime Ministers are expected to hold meeting now.
This is the first visit of Prime Minister Modi to Pakistan after assuming the office.
He was accompanied by Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.
Earlier this morning, the Prime Minister tweeted greetings to Prime Minister Sharif on his birthday and wished him good health.
The relations between India and Pakistan have witnessed some positive developments in recent past. The two countries recently decided to launch a comprehensive dialogue after Mr Modi and Mr Sharif met in Paris. (ANI)